Bhopal's Green Holi Initiative: Gau-Kashth Gains Momentum as Sustainable Alternative
This Holi, residents of Bhopal are embracing a revolutionary eco-friendly practice by switching to Gau-Kashth, a biofuel made from compressed cow dung and powdered wood, instead of traditional wood burning for Holika Dahan. What began as a modest initiative in the Bhopal district in 2018 is now gaining significant traction ahead of this year's festival of colors, transforming a common rural practice in Madhya Pradesh into an efficient and environmentally sustainable resource.
How Gau-Kashth Works and Its Environmental Impact
Gau-Kashth is produced by compressing cow dung into solid, wood-like blocks using specialized machines. Available in the market for just Rs 10-15 per kilogram, this affordable biofuel is sourced from local gaushalas (cow shelters). The environmental benefits are substantial: in Bhopal alone, the use of Gau-Kashth saves an estimated 2,000 to 2,250 trees from being felled annually for Holika Dahan.
The campaign, led by the Gau-Kashth Promotion and Environment Protection Committee, aims to end the traditional practice of burning approximately 12 quintals of wood during the festival, which typically spikes air pollution and leads to indiscriminate tree cutting in the Madhya Pradesh capital. Scientific tests conducted under controlled conditions by Yogendra Saxena, a Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) scientist known as India's 'Gau-Kashth Man,' reveal impressive pollution reduction figures compared to wood burning:
- Particulate matter: 43.9% lower
- Sulfur dioxide: 55.18% lower
- Nitric oxide: 14.96% lower
- Carbon monoxide: 24.80% lower
This results in an overall pollution reduction of 35%, making Gau-Kashth a cleaner, renewable substitute that aligns cultural festivity with environmental action.
Growing Adoption and Future Targets
The initiative has seen remarkable growth in recent years. In 2025, Gau-Kashth usage surged to 4,800 quintals across the Bhopal district, a significant increase from previous years. Ahead of this year's Holika Dahan, the committee has set an ambitious target of pushing sales to 6,000 quintals, reflecting growing public enthusiasm and commitment to sustainability.
Mamtesh Sharma, a committee member, emphasized the dual benefits: "The more Gau-Kashth we use, the less wood we burn, thereby saving trees and cleansing the air of pollution." Residents have shown significant interest in purchasing this biofuel, giving much-needed momentum to the campaign. Additionally, gaushalas profit from the sale of these environment-friendly cow dung cakes, creating a win-win situation for all stakeholders involved.
Yogendra Saxena, whose lifelong mission has been to convert cow dung into fuel, highlighted the broader significance: "We have fused cultural festivity with environmental action," showcasing how traditional practices can be adapted for modern ecological challenges. As Bhopal leads the way, this initiative serves as a model for other regions to follow, promoting sustainable celebrations that protect both trees and air quality.
