New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has disposed of a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking directions to promote the use of Gaukasth (cow dung logs) as the primary fuel in cremation grounds across the national capital in place of conventional firewood.
A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia granted liberty to the petitioner to approach the concerned authorities by way of a representation raising the issues flagged in the plea.
“Having regard to the issues raised in the present Petition, we dispose of the same with a liberty to the Petitioner to approach the various authorities… by way of making a representation for redressal of the grievance and issues raised in the present Petition,” the Delhi High Court said in its order passed on Wednesday.
The CJ Upadhyaya-led Bench directed that the representation be submitted within two weeks along with all supporting documents relied upon by the petitioner. It further ordered that the concerned authorities take a “workable decision as per law” and communicate the same to the petitioner.
Filed by Ajay Kumar Ghakar, trustee of Gaudaan Foundation, the PIL sought directions to the Centre, Delhi government, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to establish a dedicated 100 per cent biomass fuel-based cremation system using Gaukasth.
The plea also sought guidelines for better management of gaushalas, including ensuring adequate fodder, veterinary care and welfare measures for animals housed in cow shelters.
The petition claimed that cremation grounds in Delhi presently use around 45,600 tonnes of firewood annually, with each traditional cremation consuming nearly 400-500 kg of wood, contributing to deforestation as well as air and land pollution.
Referring to studies and policy reports, the plea stated that research conducted under the observation of the CPCB’s Regional Directorate in Bhopal supported the viability of Gaukasth as an eco-friendly alternative fuel.
The petition also relied upon a March 2023 NITI Aayog Task Force report, which highlighted that the production and promotion of cow dung-based products and bio-fertilisers could improve the economic sustainability of gaushalas.
Citing examples from other states, the plea said that Gaukasth-based cremations were already being promoted in places such as Sirsa in Haryana, Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha’s Gajapati district.
The petitioner further referred to earlier initiatives in Delhi, including a January 2021 proposal by the erstwhile South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) to use cow dung logs for cremations to reduce costs and support economically weaker sections.
During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, civic bodies in Delhi had also approved the use of cow dung and stubble mixtures for cremations amid firewood shortages, the petition added.
The plea argued that wider adoption of Gaukasth would help reduce pollution, conserve forests, improve gaushala sustainability and address the issue of stray cattle, while also aligning with Article 51A of the Constitution relating to environmental protection. Advocates Mrinal Kishor and Saumya Dwivedi represented the petitioner before the Delhi High Court.
(IANS)
