If there is a problem in the import of gas in the Nepali market for a few days, most of the people's kitchens will be noisy. The advice on alternative measures begins with the backup. We are not far removed from the reality of the suffering Nepalese suffered during the blockade of 2072 and the fact that they even had collective mess meals by searching for firewood in the forest. Even if there is a problem in the transportation of petroleum products for a few days, the kitchens of citizens are affected.

On the one hand, our rural society is stuck on traditional fuel sources, on the other hand, modern society is dependent on basic fuels like cooking. We are 63 percent dependent on conventional fuels, 27 percent on imported fuels. In our rural settlements, the work of cooking by burning firewood, cotton, straw, chwali, managing the logistics of cattle accounts for an average of 25 percent of carbon emissions. This is a global average figure. In this way, it is necessary to be serious about the fact that the country is weakening in many ways from carbon emissions to import-centric dependence.

Environmental protection is as global as the common issue of climate change. According to the global climate risk index, Nepal is in the list of 10 major crisis countries. It is necessary for Nepal to resolve to make a common effort to get rid of it. As a common commitment against climate damage, joint determination and efforts of all three levels of government, parliament, civil society and stakeholders are necessary. We have determined the national needs and goals as a policy.

From keeping the right to a clean environment as a fundamental right in the constitution, we have determined our priorities and goals by localizing sustainable development goals. We have set the SDG Roadmap 2030, 16th Periodic Plan, Climate Change Policy for participation of all citizens in access to clean energy. We have also set a target of zero emission by 2045. Regarding the work to be done within these policy frameworks, some questions remain. 

According to the data taken by the Alternative Energy Center, we have now built more than 450,000 household biogas plants to provide clean cooking energy in the kitchen as a national priority. More than 132,000 improved stoves have been built and 369 large biogas plants have been built and energy is being produced and expanded.

Apart from government records, the number of electric stove users is increasing. Such campaigns have also been conducted by other cooperatives, organizations and private and public sectors. The potential for domestic biogas production and structurally modernized biogas appears to be very good. It can displace imported cooking gas.

From the perspective of health, import substitution and entrepreneurship, even if biogas is promoted, there is a possibility to make cooking self-sufficient in clean energy. According to the data of National Census 2078, 51.2 percent of the population is dependent on wood, firewood, coal, sawdust, cotton. Many citizens in rural areas who have access to cooking gas but have to rely on smoke fuel for regular use. About 3 percent use cotton. It also emits carbon. 

In the COP-21 i.e. Paris agreement, Nepal committed that 25 percent of households will use electric stoves by 2030, but only 0.49 percent by 2021. The commitment to build 500,000 improved stoves and 200,000 more biogas plants by 2025 is probably in a state of introspection. These situations mirror the state of goal attainment and our momentum. In various programs of the Green Climate Fund in Nepal, 21 million US dollars are currently being spent in 150 municipalities in 22 districts of the Terai.

This investment in community empowerment with clean energy promotion is not uncommon. These and similar programs run as an important initiative to preserve forests and biodiversity protect our nature and environment. If we can expand nationwide according to the program and target of clean energy promotion, we can also reduce and replace the fuel of the carbon emission model that occupies more than 45 percent. In order to achieve the goal of access to clean energy as a sustainable development goal, we should advance such programs as a national priority based on our basic conditions, strengths and possibilities. 

For its expansion, some prerequisites are required including technology, capital, skilled manpower, promotional plan. We need to revise the basic policies, laws, procedures and guidelines of the state with priority in these matters. Our structures are not technology friendly, just putting priorities on paper will not achieve the goal. It should be accelerated through implementation.

For that, every public body must be tested from the angle of climate compatibility whether it has proceeded properly or not. The commitment made in the international forum cannot be implemented only by declaring a national resolution. For that, physical infrastructure and institutional capacity should be developed. Even today, we have not been able to build the necessary institutional capacity for clean energy access and development. 

In order to expand the access of every kitchen to clean energy, there is a need for promotion, even today's technology has not been expanded. By promoting the positive effects through its easy promotion and use, we have to convince and awaken that we can make ourselves self-sufficient in access to clean energy by replacing imports. Development of technology and innovation and the management of necessary physical materials through manufacturing industry should be created.