Nestled in the picturesque Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, Nivaje village stands as a beacon of sustainability. Once heavily reliant on firewood for cooking, this small village has undergone a remarkable transformation.

Today, Nivaje is on the path to becoming Maharashtra’s first carbon-neutral village, thanks to a series of innovative, eco-friendly interventions led by the Bhagirath Gramvikas Pratishthan (BGP).

This article explores how Nivaje's shift to biogas, bamboo cultivation, and sustainable farming practices have not only improved the environment but also empowered the community economically.

The Transition from Firewood to Biogas

• For decades, the villagers of Nivaje relied on the forests surrounding them for firewood, with almost 48% of the village area being forested. This practice led to environmental degradation and deforestation, while also putting pressure on women, who had to spend hours collecting firewood. The harmful effects of indoor smoke also posed significant health risks.
• In 2012, under the guidance of BGP, Nivaje began its journey toward sustainability by adopting biogas technology. A local farmer, Dattatraya Sawant, became the first to install a biogas unit in his backyard. Over time, the number of biogas units grew to 140 in Nivaje alone, contributing significantly to reducing the village's carbon footprint.

The Role of Bhagirath Gramvikas Pratishthan (BGP)

• The NGO Bhagirath Gramvikas Pratishthan, run by Ayurveda physicians Drs. Prasad and Harshada Deodhar, have been the driving force behind this transformation.
• The couple began their work in the village after a visit in 2002, during which they were alerted to the malnutrition and poor living conditions in Nivaje. Realizing the heavy reliance on forest resources for firewood and the environmental challenges, the Deodhars introduced biogas as a sustainable alternative.
• Since then, their efforts have not only helped reduce deforestation but have also brought economic and social benefits to the village. BGP’s work in Nivaje is a testament to how a well-planned grassroots intervention can lead to significant long-term improvements.

How Biogas Units Work 

• Setting up a biogas unit is a relatively straightforward process. A two-cubic-metre plant, constructed in just four days, uses cattle manure and organic waste to produce methane gas. This gas is then used for cooking, and the byproduct, biogas slurry, serves as a rich organic fertilizer. Mason Sonu Nilu Shinde, who has built over 300 biogas plants, explains that the system is both efficient and cost-effective.
• The environmental benefits of biogas have been well documented. Studies by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute and the International Rice Research Institute indicate that biogas can replace over 5,500 kg of firewood annually, reducing harmful emissions and promoting healthier living conditions.

Innovative Farming Practices

• Alongside the shift to biogas, Nivaje’s farmers have also embraced sustainable agriculture. Biogas slurry has replaced synthetic fertilizers, resulting in healthier crops and more fertile soil.
• In addition, bamboo cultivation has been widely adopted in the village. Bamboo, known for its ability to sequester carbon, not only improves the environment but also provides a significant economic boost. The village earns approximately Rs 45 lakh annually from bamboo production, a substantial contribution to its economy.
• Another notable innovation is the adoption of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method, which has doubled the village’s rice production. Nivaje is now self-sufficient in food, and farmers are able to generate surplus for sale.

Empowering Women Through Sustainable Living

• The introduction of biogas stoves has had a profound impact on the lives of Nivaje’s women. In the past, they were exposed to harmful smoke from firewood stoves, leading to respiratory issues and eye irritation. With the advent of clean cooking practices, their health has significantly improved, and they now have more time to engage in self-help groups and income-generating activities such as papad and pickle-making.
• The additional income generated from these activities has improved the overall financial stability of households, fostering economic empowerment in the village.

Nivaje’s Environmental and Economic Impact

• The environmental benefits of Nivaje’s transformation are substantial. By eliminating the need for firewood and switching to biogas, the village has drastically reduced deforestation and emissions of harmful gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. Bamboo cultivation further enhances the village’s carbon-sequestration efforts, contributing to its goal of becoming carbon-neutral.
• Economically, Nivaje’s move toward sustainability has brought newfound prosperity. Farmers now grow cash crops like turmeric and corn, boosting their income. The village’s bamboo cultivation adds significant revenue, and the organic farming methods employed have improved both crop yield and quality.

Lets Conclude-

A Model for Rural Sustainability

Nivaje’s journey toward becoming Maharashtra’s first carbon-neutral village serves as an inspiring model for rural communities across India. The village’s transformation showcases the power of community-driven, sustainable practices to foster economic self-sufficiency while protecting the environment. By reducing their dependence on firewood and embracing biogas and organic farming, Nivaje has created a blueprint for other villages to follow in the quest for sustainability.