From Smoke to Clean Cooking: Women of Damoh Praise Ujjwala Benefits

The shift from traditional firewood chulhas to LPG stoves under the Ujjwala Scheme is being celebrated across villages in Damoh. Kesar Bai Kevat of Beladana recalls how constant smoke caused severe eye inflammation and required multiple medical visits. Since the gas connection was installed, her eyesight has improved and her household no longer battles lingering fumes. Similar stories come from Anita in Padazhir and Bharati Ahirwal in Dhangaur, who both emphasize the convenience of cooking within minutes and the financial aid of a ₹300 subsidy when refilling the cylinder. The clean‑cooking transition is not only a health win but also a time‑saving breakthrough, allowing women to engage in education, farming, or small‑scale enterprises.