The pollution in ambient air in rural areas, particularly in terms of PM10 (particulate matter having size less than 10 micron), is due to agricultural practices, burning of post-harvest residual stalks, use of wood, coal and dung-cake based hearth and baking of earthen pots.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched a National Biomass Cook-stoves Initiative in December, 2009 with the primary aim to enhance the availability of clean and efficient energy for the energy deficient and poorer sections of the society. MNRE is also implementing National Biogas and Manure Management Programme and a total of 4.32 million family type biogas plants have been installed under the programme since inception to create a smoke free environment for woman in rural kitchen.

This information was given by Shri Jairam Ramesh., Minister of State for Environment and Forests (I/C), in a written reply to a question by Shri Om Prakash Yadav in Lok Sabha today.