Despite the efforts of the Indian government to make available and promote clean fuels, the use of cow dung cakes and other traditional fuels continues unabated. A survey conducted in two districts of Punjab reveals that both poor and well-off sections of society use solid biomass for various reasons, and women suffer from various health problems due to the inhalation of smoke released from the burning of these fuels. Policies need to be put in place to ensure the affordability of clean fuels, and people should be made aware of the adverse effects of this practice on health and the environment.
