Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is mulling over use of cow dung cakes instead of firewood for cremation at Swargadwara in Puri, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokula Nanda Mallik informed on Tuesday.
“We will urge people to consider using cow dung-based biofuel for cremating bodies. The green initiative, which could also be a facilitator in providing ‘moksha’, aligns with Hindu religious practices and would have negligible impact on environment as opposed to wood,” the minister said.
Mallik said that inputs will be sought from those currently managing Swargadwara and accordingly, a blueprint will be prepared.
He further said that a committee headed by Deputy Chief Minister and comprising five ministers and five secretaries, will be formed.” This committee will look into further ways to utilise cow dung and cow urine with an aim to promote cow protection, expand cattle shelters, and enhance dairy production,” he said.
Kamadhenu Scheme has already been launched to support these efforts, he added.
Meanwhile in other states….
Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi and Bihar are already using dung logs and pellets to cremate bodies. Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) started using cow dung cakes at its 26 crematoriums across the city in February this year.
In 2023, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath had directed officials to ensure that 50% of the total fuel (wood) used in funeral fires at crematoriums in the state comprised “Upala” (cow dung cakes) sourced from stray cow protection centres. In Mathura-Vrindavan region of UP, bodies are being cremated using cow dung-based biofuel for the past four years, according to reports.
Cow-dung wood is also used as an eco-friendly alternative for burning Holika during Holi festivities in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
