Overview
On June 15, 2026, the Gaudaan Foundation lodged a detailed representation with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the Delhi Government, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, the Central Pollution Control Board, and the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying. The filing follows the Hon'ble High Court of Delhi order dated May 20, 2026 in W.P.(C) No. 6998/2026, Ajay Kumar Gakhar v. Union of India & Others, which granted the petitioner liberty to approach the concerned authorities and made it obligatory for the MCD and others to respond in writing.
Core Proposal
The foundation, represented by its trustee Ajay Kumar Gakhar, argues that Delhi faces two inter‑linked challenges: environmental degradation from large‑scale firewood consumption in cremations and the financial distress of Gaushalas caused by unmanaged cattle waste. It proposes a phased transition from the current recommendation of 40 % Gaukasth (cow‑dung log) usage to 100 % usage in all public crematoriums. Select cremation centres should be designated for immediate full‑scale Gaukasth implementation, with iron pyres and supporting infrastructure installed to optimise the process. Storage and distribution facilities for Gaukasth suppliers are to be set up at cremation grounds, and cremation ash should be repurposed as organic fertilizer for afforestation and Miyawaki forest projects.
Environmental Impact
Scientific studies commissioned by the Central Pollution Control Board show that substituting firewood with Gaukasth reduces particulate matter by 43.9 %, sulphur dioxide by 55.18 %, nitrogen oxides by 14.96 % and carbon monoxide by 24.8 %, delivering an overall average pollution reduction of approximately 34.71 % compared with conventional firewood cremations. The foundation cites the successful model in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, where major crematoriums have achieved 90–95 % wood‑free operations, conserving forest resources, lowering cremation costs and improving operational efficiency.
Economic Benefits for Gaushalas
Large‑scale adoption of Gaukasth could generate a sustainable revenue stream of ₹25–₹35 per cow per day for Gaushalas, which exceeds the Delhi Government’s current support of ₹20 per day. This income is expected to improve cattle welfare, fund fodder and veterinary care, and help mitigate the stray‑cattle burden in urban areas while also creating employment opportunities in the collection, processing and distribution of cow‑dung logs.
Additional Recommendations
The representation further requests: (i) financial support, equipment grants, CSR partnerships and modernisation assistance for Gaushalas; (ii) development of a structured supply‑chain for collection and utilisation of cattle waste across Delhi and the NCR region; (iii) introduction of Air Pollution Control Devices at crematoriums to further curb emissions; and (iv) launch of public‑awareness campaigns highlighting the environmental and cultural acceptability of Gaukasth.
Constitutional and Policy Rationale
The foundation contends that promoting cleaner cremation practices and sustainable cattle management aligns with Article 21 (right to a clean environment), Article 48 (protection of cattle), and Article 51A(g) (fundamental duty to protect the environment) of the Indian Constitution. It expresses hope that the authorities will act promptly on the representation and formulate a practical roadmap for eco‑friendly cremation practices in Delhi.
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