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AMC's Stray Cattle Initiative Generates Biogas and Electricity from Dung

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has implemented a policy to relocate stray cattle to shelters, where their dung is used to generate biogas and electricity. At the Bakrol facility, 2,800 kg of dung daily produces 46 kg of biogas and 35 units of electricity, saving Rs 10,350 monthly. The biogas powers cooking for 32 workers and their families, eliminating the need for 27 LPG cylinders. The initiative has created a zero-waste campus, with slurry used as fertilizer and dung sticks distributed for religious rituals.

Key Points: AMC Turns Stray Cattle Dung into Biogas and Electricity

  • Stray cattle relocated to shelters
  • Dung used to produce biogas and electricity
  • Bakrol facility saves Rs 10,350 monthly in electricity
  • Slurry used as fertilizer, dung sticks for rituals
2 min read

AMC's innovative initiative tackles stray cattle issue, generates biogas and electricity from dung in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's innovative initiative relocates stray cattle, using dung to produce biogas and electricity, saving costs and reducing waste.

"The gaushala has emerged as the city's first zero-waste campus, with 100% processing of biodegradable waste. - AMC release"

Gandhinagar, May 1

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's initiative has not only reduced the menace of stray cattle on city roads but has also created a sustainable energy source from cattle waste, setting a benchmark in environmental conservation and waste management, the release said.

Stray cattle from city roads are relocated to Karuna Mandir facilities in Bakrol and Danilimda. The Bakrol facility spans 50,000 square metres and houses around 750 cattle, generating approximately 2,800 kg of dung.

To utilise this waste, AMC has installed specialised biogas plants. At Bakrol, two plants with a capacity of one tonne each have been set up. Around 1,000 kg of dung is used daily to produce approximately 46 kg of biogas and about 35 units of electricity.

Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani said that AMC implemented the "Stray Cattle Nuisance Prevention and Control Policy" in 2023 to address the issue. Under this policy, stray cattle are removed from city roads and relocated to shelters where they receive proper care and medical attention.

The release stated that the gaushala has emerged as the city's first zero-waste campus, with 100% processing of biodegradable waste.

The biogas produced is used for cooking within the campus. Around 32 workers and their families reside there, and all cooking needs are met through biogas. Earlier, the facility required about 27 LPG cylinders per month, but this has now been completely eliminated, resulting in monthly savings of approximately Rs 10,350 in electricity costs.

At the Bakrol facility, more than 1,000 rotis are prepared daily for cows and dogs, all cooked using biogas. Donors also contribute by feeding cows and supporting the initiative.

The slurry produced from the biogas plants is used as fertiliser in plantations. Additionally, dung-based sticks are manufactured and distributed free of cost to temples for rituals such as Vedic Holi and havan(religious rituals), generating employment for 13 workers.

The Danilimda facility houses around 350 cattle, producing about 1,700 kg of dung ezhednevno. A similar biogas plant has been installed there, generating both gas and electricity. AMC is also planning to use vegetable waste from city markets along with dung to further boost biogas production in the future.

With this initiative, AMC has not only addressed the stray cattle problem but also created a sustainable energy model, pushing Ahmedabad towards becoming a zero-waste city while strengthening its environmental management systems.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

J
Jessica F
As someone who has seen cattle wandering dangerously on Ahmedabad roads, this is a huge relief. The animals get proper care and we get clean energy – a win-win. The rotis made from biogas for the cows is such a poetic touch. 👏
S
Sneha F
Good initiative but I'm concerned about the scale. 750 cattle in one facility with only 35 units of electricity daily – that's barely enough for a few homes. Also, what about the smell and flies around these shelters? Hope AMC is monitoring hygiene properly. Still, a start is a start.
M
Michael C
This is exactly the kind of innovation India needs. Using vegetable waste from markets too? That's next-level thinking. I've seen similar projects in Europe but adapting it for Indian conditions with cows and temples – that's smart. Zero-waste campus is an inspiration! 🇮🇳
K
Kavya N
The part about dung sticks for temples is so culturally sensitive. 🔥 Using waste for Vedic rituals while employment for workers – beautiful. Also saving ₹10,350 per month on electricity is not small change. Imagine if every gaushala in India did this! We'd solve so many problems.
T
Thomas Y
Respect to AMC for actually implementing policy. The Stray Cattle Nuisance Prevention Policy 2023 is working. But 750 cattle seems small for a city this size. Hope they expand. Also, 1,000 rotis daily for cows – that's real seva. 🙏

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