10
Inventory of Innovative Indoor Smoke
Alleviating Technologies in Nepal
concentration level of RSP, CO, HCHO for ICS was 3000
µg/m3, 10.8 ppm and 0.6 ppm for ICS respectively. Ried
et al. (1986) compared the concentration level of CO
and TSP of traditional stoves without chimneys and ICS
with chimneys in middle hill districts of Nepal. The data
in table 3.1 clearly depicts that exposure of RSP, CO and
TSP is significantly reduced with the use of ICS compared
to traditional ones.
In order to reduce IAP, construction of better ventilated
rooms is also equally important along with improved
stoves and fuels. According to a comparative study
conducted by Holly F. Reid, Kirk Smith and Bageshowri
Sherchan, the mean personal exposure to TSP in agena
(traditional cooking stoves) and ICS was 3920 µg/m3
and 1130 µg/m3 respectively. Similarly, mean personal
exposure to CO in traditional and ICS was 380 ppm and
67 ppm respectively, which implies that ICS reduces
indoor TSP and CO concentration by 71 and 82 per cent
respectively (Raut 2006).
HHs were relieved from problems and diseases caused
by smoke. The overall positive impact on health reduced
the medical expense by 75 per cent. The average ICS
operating hours in these districts were 3.7 hours (TRUST
2004). The cost of useful heat per MJ (considering 1 kg
of fuel wood = 16.5 MJ) in ICS ranges from NRs. 0.37 to
0.44 compared to NRs. 0.95 in traditional iron tripod
stove. Likewise, for ICS users including opportunity cost,
the cost of useful heat per MJ ranges from NRs. 0.37 to
0.44 compared to NRs. 0.68 to 0.78 when using kerosene
(SECCON 2000). Field test in Dalchoki VDC of Lalitpur
district further proved that use of ICS saved 20 - 25 per
cent fuel wood compared to traditional stove (WP/ IDC/
Sulpiya 1997 cited by SECCON 2000).
3.2 Mud-brick improved cooking stoves
During the dissemination of ICS, NICSP mainly focused
on developing public awareness on health impact caused
by IAP. There is no direct subsidy for ICS users. ICS users
receive training, promotional and information materials
Table 3.1: Comparison of CO and TSP in traditional and improved stoves
Study
location
Gorkha
Pollutants
CO
TSP
Exposure on
traditional stove
280 ppm
3170 µg/m3
Exposure on
improved stove
70 ppm
870 µg/m3
Beni CO
TSP
310 ppm
3110 µg/m3
64 ppm
1370 µg/m3
Mustang
CO
TSP
64 ppm
1750 µg/m3
41 ppm
920 µg/m3
Bardibas
CO
TSP
82.5 ppm
8200 µg/m3
11.6 ppm
3000 µg/m3
Source: SECCON 2000 (cited from Sharma 1995)
% reduction
75
73
79
56
36
47
86
63
References
Reid 1986
Reid 1986
Reid 1996
Pandey 1990
The impact study report on effectiveness of ICS
programme in Doti, Dang, Kavre, Udaypur, Ilam,
Kathmandu, Syangja, Baglung, Surkhet, Sindhuli and
Dadeldhura revealed that 90 per cent HHs used two
potholes mud-brick ICS. In Dadeldhura, 48 per cent were
found using one pothole stove. Three potholes mud-
brick ICS were found sparsely in Sindhuli, Baglung and
Surkhet. About 65 per cent stoves were found near
window, whereas, 23 per cent were found near the door.
In Ilam, stoves were found separately placed in a shed.
The report also revealed the promoter’s vital role (70
per cent) in the adoption of ICS followed by their
neighbour’s inspiration (18 per cent). All users were
provided with the information on repair and maintenance
and 59 per cent were provided with user manual. As per
the expectation of ICS, 90 per cent reported saving time
(fuel wood collection and cooking time) and majority of
as indirect subsidy. The mud-brick ICS is installed by
trained ICS local promoters on request from the user as
per his/her preference - one, two or three potholes with
different sizes. The trained promoters are paid by end
users. The efficiency of traditional and mud-brick ICS
normally varies from 6 to 10 per cent and 12 to 20 per
cent respectively and the reasons for variation in
efficiency are deviation in construction of ICS from
design, and also the type and moisture content of fuel.
(Dr. Riddhi Bir Singh, Associate Professor and
Coordinator, Bio-fuel studies, Institute of Engineering,
Tribhuvan University).
The materials required to build the mud-brick ICS stoves
are - soil (chimtyayelo, i.e. sticky soil), rice husk, dung
and water. Soil, dung and rice husk are mixed in proportion
of 5:1:2 and water is added to make a paste. Dry sand or