The Chhattisgarh government wants ‘gau kasth’ (cow dung wood) and cow dung cakes prepared at Gauthans used for cremation at ‘Muktidham’.
Civic Administration Minister Dr Shiv Kumar Dahariya has directed to make available ‘gau kasth’ at Muktidham and other places on concessional rates, a press release said on Friday.
The move is not only expected to intensify production of ‘gau kasth’ but also open a new earning venue for woman Self Help Groups (SHG) associated with Gauthans.
Use of cow dung wood in cremation can save about one lakh trees each year, it said.
There are 377 Gauthans located in civic bodies across Chhattisgarh of which at 322 cow dung is purchased. Women SHGs are engaged in producing cow dung wood and other cow products there.
The Minister also suggested using cow dung wood in place of wood for burning fire at public places to beat the cold.
In Raipur Municipal Corporation limits, fire is burnt at 51 places. Use of cow dung wood for this purpose will also save many trees, the press release said.