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Ahmedabad Turns Stray Cattle Dung into Biogas, Slashes Waste and Costs

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has begun converting stray cattle dung into biogas and electricity at shelters in Bakrol and Danilimda. Two biogas plants process 1,000 kg of dung daily at Bakrol, generating 46 kg of biogas and 35 units of electricity. The initiative saves approximately Rs 10,350 in electricity costs and eliminates the need for 27 LPG cylinders per month. AMC plans to expand the project by incorporating vegetable waste from city markets.

Key Points: Ahmedabad Converts Stray Cattle Dung to Biogas, Cuts Costs

  • Ahmedabad converts stray cattle dung into biogas and electricity
  • Bakrol facility processes 1,000 kg dung daily, generating 46 kg biogas and 35 units electricity
  • Initiative saves Rs 10,350 monthly in electricity and 27 LPG cylinders
  • Zero-waste campuses use biogas residue as fertiliser and dung sticks for temples
2 min read

Gujarat: Ahmedabad civic body converts stray cattle dung into energy, cutting waste and costs

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation converts stray cattle dung into biogas and electricity, reducing waste and saving Rs 10,350 monthly in energy costs.

"Under this policy, stray cattle were removed from city roads and relocated to shelters where they receive proper care and medical attention. - Banchhanidhi Pani"

Ahmedabad, May 1

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has begun converting dung from stray cattle into biogas and electricity, linking its cattle control measures with a zero-waste energy model and reducing operational costs at municipal shelters.

The initiative is being implemented through AMC's Cattle Nuisance Control Department (CNCD), which captures stray cattle from city roads and relocates them to gaushalas (cow shelters) at Bakrol and Danilimda, known as Karuna Mandir.

At these facilities, dung generated by the animals is processed in biogas plants to produce fuel and electricity.

Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani said the civic body introduced the 'Stray Cattle Nuisance Prevention and Control Policy' in 2023 to address the issue of roaming cattle.

"Under this policy, stray cattle were removed from city roads and relocated to shelters where they receive proper care and medical attention," he said.

The Bakrol facility, spread across 50,000 square metres, houses around 750 cattle and produces approximately 2,800 kg of dung daily.

Two biogas plants, each with a capacity of one tonne, have been installed at the site. Around 1,000 kg of dung is processed every day, yielding about 46 kg of biogas and generating nearly 35 units of electricity.

The Danilimda shelter accommodates around 350 cattle and generates roughly 1,700 kg of dung daily. A similar biogas system has been set up there to produce gas and electricity.

AMC said the gaushalas have been developed as zero-waste campuses, with all biodegradable waste processed on-site.

The biogas generated is used for cooking for around 32 workers and their families living at the facility.

Officials said the shift has eliminated the need for approximately 27 LPG cylinders per month and resulted in savings of about Rs 10,350 in electricity costs.

At Bakrol, more than 1,000 rotis are prepared daily using biogas for feeding cows and dogs.

The residue from the biogas plants is used as fertiliser for plantations within the campus.

Dung is also used to manufacture sticks distributed free of cost to temples for rituals such as Vedic Holi and havan (religious rituals), providing employment to 13 workers.

AMC said it plans to expand the project by incorporating vegetable waste from city markets into the biogas plants to increase output.

"The initiative aligns with broader efforts in Gujarat to improve solid waste management under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, while also addressing urban challenges linked to stray cattle," officials noted.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone who lives in Ahmedabad, I've seen stray cattle roaming the streets causing traffic jams and accidents. This initiative is a practical solution that respects our cultural values towards cows while addressing urban challenges. Making rotis for cows using biogas is heartwarming! The government should also focus on preventing cattle abandonment in the first place.
R
Rajesh Q
Good initiative but I wonder about the long-term viability. 750 cattle producing 2,800 kg dung daily but only processing 1,000 kg? That leaves a lot unutilized. Also, what happens to the cattle that are too old or sick? We need more transparency on the medical care and living conditions at these shelters. Still, it's a step in the right direction.
S
Suresh O
The dung stick distribution to temples for Vedic Holi and havan is a beautiful blend of tradition and sustainability! My family uses such dung sticks for our home havans and they work well. This creates employment too - 13 workers making a livelihood. If every municipal corporation adopted this model, imagine the impact on waste management and energy generation across India!
J
James A
From an environmental standpoint, this is a smart move. Converting waste to energy reduces methane emissions from decomposing dung and cuts reliance on fossil fuels. The 27 LPG cylinders saved monthly is significant. I'm curious if the biogas technology used is scalable and cost-effective compared to other renewable sources. India continues to innovate in sustainable urban waste management.
N
Nisha Z
I appreciate the zero-waste campus concept, but my concern is the smell and hygiene near these shelters. I live not far from Bakrol and sometimes the odor is noticeable. Also, stray cattle are still

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