NAGPUR: APCCF Dr Dilip Singh, an IFS officer of 1984 batch, is popularly known as the 'Chulha Man' in forest circles for pioneering improvement in chulha as it exists and making it eco-friendly in villages. Till now, more than 50,000 fuel-efficient chulhas have been successfully put to use in hundreds of villages and its growing popularity has led the state government to promote it officially on a large-scale. Singh's innovation and doctorate come from an action research in the country's one of the most backward areas - Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh - facing severe social and environment degradation.

Testing an alternate holistic development model with community participation, he worked in the field for three years (2004-2007) before pioneering cost-effective cast-iron grate retrofitted in existing chulhas.

Singh, who took over as member-secretary of Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board (MSBB) on February 10, promises to promote these chulhas and solar cookers as an integral part of biodiversity conservation. He has shown the way by consuming solar-cooked food himself. Excerpts from an interview with TOI:

Q. How successful have you been in promoting eco-friendly chulhas?

A. Eco-friendly chulha is an old thing. I had distributed them while working as a deputy conservator in Chandrapur in 1993-95, but villagers did not use them as it did not match their needs. As part of my study in UP, the idea to retrofit cast-iron grate to such chulhas worked well with the people. As joint director of social forestry in Amravati in 2012, I introduced the modified chulha and in less than two years more than 50,000 such chulhas are being used in many villages in Amravati division, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli and other districts. The cast-iron grate costs only Rs80 and helps in reducing indoor air pollution (IAP), which is found to be a bigger health hazard and saves 40% fuelwood. A forest department evaluation too has found these chulhas as effective. A scientific study has been planned by VNIT about its cost-effectiveness and fuel efficiency. The government also plans to promote retrofitted chulhas in the entire state.

Q. What has the biodiversity board to do with these chulhas?

A. We are planning to make use of these chulhas and solar cooker an integral part of biodiversity conservation to reduce pressure on biomass. The board also plans to do a feasibility study on CO2 emission reduction by use of these chulhas and solar cooker. A proposal is being sent to USAID, India. Under the plan, those saving on fuelwood and subsequent CO2 emissions will be given dividend for carbon credits. The chulhas will help conserve forests and biodiversity and will be promoted through biodiversity management committees (BMCs).

Q. You talk of biodiversity, but there is no awareness?

A. The board has decided to make biodiversity conservation a mass movement. We will set up Biodiversity Mitra Mandals at district and taluka levels in the state and people from all walks of life will be roped in. These mandals will be a civil society movement. They will seek participation by conducting rallies, workshops and various events besides visiting schools and colleges with save biodiversity message. The board will provide complete support.

Q. Why is the board not popular?

A. The board was set up in 2012. It is just beginning to spread biodiversity revolution. There were hurdles in the past with lack of funds, staff and separate office with requisite infrastructure. Now with the support from forest minister Patangrao Kadam and forest secretary Praveen Pardeshi, we are overcoming all constraints.

Q. They board decisions on biodiversity heritage sites are not honoured.

A. On March 28, 2013, the board had given 'in-principle' approval to 'Glory of Allapalli' as biodiversity heritage site under Biodiversity Act, 2002. A notification will be issued by the state soon. But, other biodiversity heritage sites like Bhigwan (Ujani), Shivadi (Mumbai), Jayakwadi & Nandur Madhameshwar, Kaas Plateau (Satara), grassland in Nashik, Kekatpur Lake (Amravati), breeding sites of Saras (Gondia), GIBs (Warora) and Lesser Florican (Akola) and fossils (Sironcha) will take time.

Q. What is the MSBB's plan?

A. In 2014-15, our target is to set up biodiversity management committees in at least 25% of the remaining 27,357 gram panchayats in the state. Plans are also afoot to form BMCs in municipal corporations and councils, cantonment board and zilla parishads.

Q. The biodiversity committees are virtually defunct?

A. These committees will be activated. Help of mitra mandals will be taken to mobilize such committees to make them more effective.