Chhattisgarh Launches New Initiative to Generate Electricity from Cow Dung

Chhattisgarh is currently working towards generating electricity from cow dung after implementing a scheme to purchase cow dung for Rs.2 per kg. On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel launched a power generation project.

Speaking at the launch in Bemetara district headquarters in Chhattisgarh, Baghel said that the women and youth will be participating in the state's green energy production.

Baghel said that “The world is concerned about global warming. Because there is so much discussion about green energy these days, the government has chosen to generate electricity from cow dung.”

“In Gauthan, a unit to produce electricity from cow dung would be installed in every village in Chhattisgarh” (place where cattle are kept). Cow dung collected from farmers as part of the Godhan Nyay Yojana will be utilised to produce electricity. This would assist not just the environment, but also the women in self-help groups who conduct dung procurement work,” he added.

A press statement claimed that in the first phase of the project, units of electricity generation from cow dung were installed at Rakhi in Bemetara district, Sikola in Durg district, and Bancharoda in Raipur district.

In Gauthans, biogas plants, scrubbers, and generators have been installed to generate power from cow dung. Biogas will be produced by combining cow manure and water in the biogas tank, resulting in 50% methane gas, from which electricity will be generated by operating the genset, it added.

According to scientists, the cost per unit of electricity generated by cow dung is between Rs.2.50 and Rs.3.

Gauthans will generate electricity from cow dung in addition to producing organic manure, doubling the advantages and earnings of Gauthan Samitis and women self-help organisations, according to the press release.

Suraji Gaon Yojana of the state government has approved the construction of 10,112 gauthans for the purpose of livestock conservation and promotion in villages, of which 6,112 gauthans are fully built and operational.