Infosys Launches its Biomass Cook Stove Project in Koppal District

Infosys launched its biomass cook stove project in Yelburga Taluk of Koppal district in Karnataka as part of its carbon-offset projects that have strong benefits for society. Under the program, Infosys will distribute 43,000 high efficiency cook stoves to 21,500 families over the next nine months. The company will also support these families in maintaining the stoves to ensure continued and effective use of them for several years. The project will be implemented with the help of Samuha, an NGO with strong local presence, who will undertake long term community initiatives to train locals and build awareness among the families about the use of the stoves and its benefits.

The program was inaugurated on March 26, 2016, by Mr. Suman Sasmal, Vice President and Service Offering Head – Insurance, Healthcare & Life Sciences and Development Center Head, Infosys, at a function in Hirewonkalkunta by distributing the first batch of stoves to the local families. Mr. Basavaraj Rayareddy, Yelburga MLA and chief guest, applauded Infosys for undertaking the project and said that the project will make a real difference in the lives of thousands of families in Yelburga.

According to the Ministry of Statistics, a whopping 67% of Indian rural household depends on traditional cooking using firewood. Nearly a million deaths a year in India are attributed to household air pollution from cooking. Low smoke and high efficiency cook stoves not only address the household air pollution problem, but also significantly reduce the drudgery of firewood gathering. The program helps reduce environmental degradation caused by firewood harvesting and contributes to climate change mitigation by reducing the CO2 emissions.