The inspiring transformation in Diksal village was brought to light through an initiative supported by SBI Mutual Fund, focused on inclusive rural development. Through this on-ground engagement and dedication, CYDA ensured that families like Malhari Itape receive access to biogas technology and also understood its long-term value. With the committed support of SBI Mutual Fund, CYDA has been able to reach the most underserved households, enabling cleaner energy, healthier lives and empowered rural communities. Together, their efforts are fueling sustainable change—one household at a time.
As a youth-led initiative, CYDA emphasized youth engagement and awareness throughout the project. Many young people, including members of Malhari Itape’s family, observed firsthand the impact of biogas on health, education, and household responsibilities. Younger generations are often the ones tasked with collecting firewood or helping with cooking — they now see this shift as an opportunity to reclaim their time and focus on studies and skill development.
Introduction
For many years, the Itape family in Diksal village, Maharashtra, cooked all their meals over a traditional firewood stove. The daily routine included inhaling dangerous smoke, battling respiratory issues and living in a home darkened by smoke stains. But recently, a quiet transformation with support of CYDA has changed their lives – the installation of a gobar (biogas) plant through a comprehensive village development initiative.
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Malhari Ishwar Itape is farmer from Diksal village and is one of the proud beneficiaries of this project supported by Centre for Youth Development Activities, and his family now breathes easier, both literally and symbolically. The use of traditional firewood stoves is still widespread in many rural areas of India, particularly in economically backward communities. The problem extended beyond the physical, it stole time and energy that could be used for education, farming, or better livelihood activities.
Challenges
Before biogas was introduced, the Itape family faced a number of serious issues:
- Health hazards: The smoke from the chulha (traditional stove) caused constant respiratory problems and severe eye irritation. Malhari Itape’s wife, Mangal, even required eye surgery due to an injury sustained while collecting firewood. She now wears spectacles due to vision problems caused by the smoke.
- Unhygienic environment: Continuous use of firewood left their home constantly blackened with smoke stains. Cooking twice daily meant spending nearly four hours in smoke-filled rooms, causing blackened walls, respiratory issues, and eye injuries. Clothes turned grey, air remained stale and the atmosphere was unhealthy for the entire family.
- Time-consuming process: Collecting firewood daily was physically exhausting and took hours. Cooking alone took nearly two hours every day.
- Cost of alternatives: LPG was available but unaffordable, as it costs Rs.900/- every three months. The family could not sustain the recurring cost of cylinders, and so, the chulha remained their only choice.
The Turning Point
The turning point came when CYDA organized a meeting in Diksal village under the Comprehensive Village Development Project. The goal was to educate villagers about sustainable energy sources, especially biogas. The session was informative and practical, encouraging participants to adopt cleaner energy solutions.
Malhari, like many other farmers, attended the session and showed immediate interest. He registered as a beneficiary and contributed Rs.5,000/- as his share in the cost of the plant. Soon after, a biogas unit was installed in front of his home.
CYDA ensured not just installation but also training. Farmers were trained how to maintain the plant, mix cow dung with water, and safely operate the unit. After releasing raw gas twice, the biogas started producing clean, usable fuel for cooking. Now, by simply adding 40 kgs of cow dung into the tank daily, the family can easily prepare meals twice a day, with less time, less effort, and zero smoke.
This project has opened up conversations among rural youth about climate action, renewable energy, and sustainable living, paving the way for future green leaders from grassroots communities.
Impact
- Health improvements: No more smoke, no more coughing and fewer eye problems. The house is cleaner and more breathable.
- Time saved: Cooking time has been cut in half – tea, which took 20 minutes before, is now ready in just 10 minutes. Overall, more time is available for farming and personal development.
- Reduced expenses: The family no longer has to buy LPG or collect firewood, which resulted in monthly savings and less physical labor.
- Clean environment: The kitchen and house remain clean. Walls and clothes are no longer blackened with smoke stains. The home feels brighter and healthier.
- Empowerment: The family has now become a local ambassador for biogas. They actively encourage fellow farmers and neighbors to adopt similar technology.
The shift to biogas is not just a change in cooking fuel — it’s a step towards cleaner living, better health and a future where rural communities thrive with dignity. Every village needs such inclusive development initiatives to empower families and fuel the next generation of change-makers.
