Archive · 24 Jul 2025
Delhi Cremation Grounds to Use Cow Dung Cakes as Fuel
The government in Delhi is trying to make cremations more environmentally friendly.
They're asking cremation grounds to use cow dung cakes instead of some of the wood they usually burn.
This is to reduce pollution and use waste from dairy farms.
They started testing this during COVID-19.
Right now, it's not required, but encouraged, and they hope to increase the amount of cow dung cakes used over time.
The problem is there isn't enough cow dung cake available right now, and some people still prefer wood.
They get the cow dung from farms near Delhi.
The health department supports this plan.
MCD is encouraging cremation grounds to use cow dung cakes, replacing up to 20% of firewood.
The initiative aims to promote eco-friendly practices and manage dairy waste.
Cow dung cakes will be bifurcated into uniform logs for better combustion.
Currently, only 10,000 kg of cow dung cakes are supplied daily, while 4 lakh kg are needed if all wood were replaced.
Challenges include flammability of cow dung cakes and inconsistent supply.
- Who
- The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
- What
- MCD is encouraging the use of cow dung cakes in cremations to replace firewood.
- When
- The initiative was discussed in a recent stakeholder meeting and initially explored during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Where
- Delhi, India.
- Why
- To promote eco-friendly practices, reduce wood dependence, and manage cow dung waste.
Proponents
Skeptics
Acceptance
Proponents
Environmental benefits: Reduces carbon emissions, manages dairy waste.
Skeptics
Hesitation among some people to fully embrace cow dung cakes.
- Initiative
- Replace 20% firewood with cow dung cakes
- Current Supply
- 10,000 kg cow dung cakes per day
- Required Supply (if replacing all wood)
- 4 lakh kg per day
- Source of Cow Dung
- Delhi and dairies within a 100 km radius
- Zones Using Cow Dung Cakes
- City-SP, Shahdara, and south Delhi, around 10 grounds