In a significant move aimed at promoting eco-friendly last rites, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has decided to launch a pilot project for using cow dung cakes or logs in cremations. The initiative will be tested at three facilities: Green Park, Dwarka, and Jwala Nagar.
Debate Over Environmental Impact and Practicality
The proposal, which was finalised after repeated insistence from councillors, sparked a lively debate during a standing committee meeting. Proponents, including councillors, argue that using cow dung is an environmentally conscious step. They claim it will reduce the cutting of trees for wood, lower cremation costs for families, and prevent the illegal dumping of cow dung into city drains.
However, the plan is not without its critics and challenges. MCD officials have pointed out that discussions with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are still ongoing to finalise how to reduce costs and implement the scheme effectively.
Key Concerns: Pollution, Supply, and Public Sentiment
Several major concerns have been flagged by officials and experts. A primary issue is the availability of cow dung cakes, especially during the monsoon season when environmental conditions could severely disrupt supply chains.
On the environmental front, experts warn that burning cow dung may not be the clean alternative it seems. Sunil Dahiya, founder and lead analyst at EnviroCatalyst, noted that burning cow dung cakes releases higher levels of particulate matter and black carbon compared to wood. He suggested that switching to CNG or electric cremation would be a better alternative for tackling pollution.
There are also social and religious apprehensions. Some fear that a complete shift to cow dung cakes may not be readily accepted by grieving families due to deep-rooted sentiments and traditional practices associated with wood pyres.
Cost Benefits and Implementation Hurdles
BJP councillor Rajpal Singh from Sriniwaspuri strongly advocated for the move. He highlighted the cost benefit, stating that cremation using wood costs around Rs 2,500, while using cow dung logs would cost approximately Rs 2,300. He argued that the material is abundantly available and that gaushalas (cow shelters) have already submitted their supply plans. Singh pushed for the measure to be made mandatory across all crematoriums.
Despite the push, questions about implementation remain. Councillor Singh questioned the public health department's capacity to execute the scheme, even though it has been discussed repeatedly.
Committee chairperson Satya Sharma provided an update, revealing that cow dung cakes are already being used 100% at the Kalkaji crematorium. She confirmed that work is underway to finalise the plan for the remaining three crematoriums soon.
After the issue was raised in a November meeting, officials convened a discussion with NGOs managing the crematoriums and gaushalas willing to supply the dung cakes. An official noted that while gaushalas are ready to supply, assessing cost and availability is crucial before launching a full pilot. Cooperation from NGOs is also vital, as many have already stocked large quantities of wood.
Past Policy and Compliance Challenges
This is not the first time such a policy has been attempted. The civic body pointed out that an order mandating 40% use of cow dung cakes was earlier issued by the erstwhile North Delhi Municipal Corporation and later followed by the South Corporation. After the unification of the civic bodies, a similar policy was implemented citywide, but compliance has remained weak due to supply constraints and other operational factors.
The file related to the new pilot project has been sent to the standing committee for approval, with certain issues still requiring clarity before a full rollout can begin.
