The Delhi High Court has addressed a PIL requesting the promotion of Gaukasth (cow dung logs) as the primary fuel in cremation grounds across Delhi instead of traditional firewood. The court granted the petitioner permission to raise concerns with relevant authorities through a formal representation.
The court instructed the petitioner to submit the representation within two weeks along with supporting documents. It emphasized that the authorities must make a decision in accordance with the law and inform the petitioner of the outcome. The PIL, filed by Ajay Kumar Ghakar of Gaudaan Foundation, urged various bodies to establish a biomass fuel-based cremation system using Gaukasth.
The plea also called for guidelines to enhance the management of gaushalas, ensuring proper care for animals and fodder availability. Currently, cremation grounds in Delhi consume a significant amount of firewood annually, leading to deforestation and pollution. The petition highlighted the potential of Gaukasth as an eco-friendly alternative fuel, citing supportive research and reports.
Referring to successful implementations in other states, the plea advocated for wider adoption of Gaukasth in Delhi. It pointed out previous initiatives in the city, including proposals to use cow dung logs for cremations during the Covid-19 pandemic. The petitioner argued that embracing Gaukasth would not only reduce pollution but also benefit the environment and support gaushalas’ sustainability.
