The Issue The Solution
Cooking right across the Himalaya still continues using the traditional open fire system Benefits of Clean Cooking Stoves Up to 80% reduction in harmful emissions 65% less wood requirement 65% reduction in cooking time as compared to traditional stoves provides additional livelihood opportunities for local youth to distribute, sell and service the stoves Health Warning: Having an open fire in the kitchen is the equivalent of burning 400 cigarettes an hour. As cooking chores most often fall to women, they and the young children around them are the first victims of smoke-related respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses.
Why focusing on the Himalaya is Critical? What threat does this pose to the Himalaya? Deforestation and Landslides : Cutting of trees for cooking means less roots to hold the soil and more landslides and floods. Remote Locations : Restricted access to healthcare facilities means a sustainable preventive solution to lung and heart disease in the region is imperative
Himalayan Environment Trust s Clean Cooking Stove Project First Green Village in the Indian Himalaya! In June 2015, the Himalayan Environment Trust ( HET ) launched India s first green village by providing the entire village of Sidri in Western Garhwal, Uttarakhand with clean cook stoves.
Join the Green Himalayan Expedition
The Green Himalayan Expedition will access several remote villages in the Rupin and Supin Valleys Objective of the Expedition Observe cooking practices Build awareness on Clean Cooking Stoves Distribute clean cooking stoves at subsidised rates at each village Record signs of deforestation Tabulate key health issues
Green Himalayan Expedition Route Rupin Valley Start of Trek Supin valley End of Trek Vijay Top 3700m Village Cluster The expedition will start from the Rupin Valley in Western Garhwal and after passing through a village cluster move to a high point on the Rupin and Supin Valley ridge at 3700m called Vijay Top. From this point the trail will descend into the Supin valley and after passing through another village cluster end at Jakhol village.
About the Himalayan Environment Trust The Clean Cooking Stove Project is an initiative of the Himalayan Environment Trust (HET), a not for profit organization set up by some of the world s most renown mountaineers such as the late Sir Edmund Hilary, Captain MS Kohli, Sir Chris Bonington and Reinhold Messner to preserve the fragile Himalayan Mountain Environment. Previously HET teamed up with the Government of India to perform the first extensive clean up of the Gangotri conservation area.
"The HET's Himalayan Clean Stove Project awarded the "Mahatma Gandhi Change Grant" "The HET's Himalayan Clean Stove Project was awarded the "Mahatma Gandhi Change Grant" at the Shape South Asia conference held in Kathmandu from 19th-22nd November, 2015. The grant invited projects from across the South Asian (SAARC) region that embody Gandhian principles in catalysing change to apply and the Himalayan Clean Stove Project won first prize among over 20 applications."
Green Himalayan Expedition Key Details Physical Rating for the Expedition Easy Moderate Difficult Demanding Expedition Dates 16-20 June 2016 Broad Details Trek Duration: 5 days Accommodation : 4 nights in tents Expedition Management The expedition will be managed by Juniper Outdoor Pursuits Centre on a format where the logistics are managed by a support team. Participants will only carry their day pack. The objective for the Green Himalayan Expedition program is to engage and inspire the next generation of leaders to take responsibility to build resilient communities through the promotion of recycling, renewable energy and sustainability. We believe that if we get this right we can make a significant environmental and socio-economic impact.
Day Destination Activity Time Height 16 June Rupin Valley River Camp 17 June Badang Meadow The expedition group will take the morning Shatabdi train heading out from Delhi at 7am and arrive at Dehra Dun at 12.30pm. the group will then drive in cars to a campsite along the Rupin river in the Rupin valley. After a short drive do road shows in Bitri and Pujali villages in the Rupin valley and continue to trek towards the Rupin Supin ridge. By last afternoon camp at Badang meadow. 18 June Saral Meadow An exciting trekking day, climb to a high point on the Rupin Supin ridge at 3700m and enjoy one of the grandest views in Western Garhwal. After a short walk on the ridge start a descent to a massive meadow in the Supin valley. 19 June Bancha Meadow Do road shows in 3 major villages in the Supin valley including Khasla, Ralla and Phitari all a full day s walk away from the nearest road. After the interaction at the villages continue trekking down to a stunning campsite on the confluence of the Rupin and Obra rivers. Train travel and 8 hour car ride 4 hours trek 6 hours trek 6 hours trek 2050m 3000m 3000m 2000m 20 June New Delhi After a short trek start the drive to Dehra Dun over 8 hours to arrive in time for the 5 pm Shatabdi from Dehra Dun to Delhi reaching New Delhi at 10.30pm. 1 hour trek and 8 hours drive n.a
Green Himalayan Expedition Participation Criteria and Information Area of Interest : Joining the expedition is a serious commitment. Space is limited and early submission is important. An application form needs to be completed which will go through a selection process for review. Age Criteria and Physical Fitness : The expedition format is set for an age group of 15-30, It is also important members are physically fit as the expedition does require trekking in altitude. Participant Certificate : All expedition members will revive a participation certificate from the HET acknowledging commitment towards volunteering for the Himalayan Clean Cooking Stove Project.
Participation Fee Rs. 25,000 Delhi to Delhi cost spread across 5 days Inclusions Road transport in Innova s or equivalent vehicles from Dehra Dun to expedition area and back to Dehra Dun Trekking support across 4 days including accommodation in tents with meals as well as porter and guide support Trekking Fees as applicable for Indian nationals for trekking in Harkidun National Park Train travel on Shatabdi New Delhi - Dehra Dun - New Delhi The participation fee includes subsidisation of cooking stoves which will be distributed to village folk post demonstration Service Tax 4.04% Exclusions Meals while traveling between locations before and after the trek Expedition Leadership The Expedition will be led by Varun Gunaseelan, Project Director Clean Cooking Stove Project, HET who will be accompanied by elders who are knowledgable on the multiple ground issues being faced by villagers. Write to the himalayanenvironmenttrust@gmail.com or Varun Gunaseelan at varun.gunaseelan@gmail.com for additional information. Next Steps Fill the application form through the following link : Green Himalayan Expedition Expect a confirmation by first week of May 2016
Lets work together to preserve the Himalaya Contact us at info@juniperopc.com or visit www.juniperopc.com Juniper Outdoor Pursuits Centre Pvt. Ltd E-4, East of Kailash, New Delhi 110065 Phone 011 46153333