Latest news with #CNG-operated
The Print
5 days ago
- General
- The Print
Cremation grounds under MCD recommended to replace 20 per cent firewood with cow dung cakes
Officials said the initiative, though not mandatory, aims to gradually transition towards cleaner alternatives and an advisory has been issued encouraging cremation grounds to replace up to 20 per cent of traditional wood with cow dung cakes during cremations. The plan involves bifurcating materials — cow dung and stubble — into uniform logs of two to three feet for better combustion, with NGOs and private stakeholders also showing interest in supporting the initiative, a senior official told PTI. New Delhi, Jul 24 (PTI) The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has asked its cremation grounds to replace 20 per cent of firewood with cow dung cakes, an idea that was first explored during the COVID-19 pandemic to promote eco-friendly practices. The move was discussed in a recent stakeholder meeting convened by the MCD including officials from the health department, horticulture division, manufacturers of dung-based items, NGOs and other experts, another official said. They said while the idea was first explored during the COVID-19 pandemic in the erstwhile North Corporation, it is now being revived with a more structured and planned approach. A senior MCD official said the initiative has both environmental and logistical benefits. It reduces the dependence on wood and also helps manage the cow dung waste generated across the city's dairy colonies. While many people see cow dung as a sacred material, its acceptability for cremation is still evolving. There is still hesitation in fully embracing it as people still prefer wood. But there is a gradual shift, he added. Currently, Delhi has 59 cremation grounds, including both wood-based and CNG-operated units, spread across all the 12 zones. City-SP, Shahdara, and south Delhi are among the four municipal zones where around 10 cremation grounds are already using cow dung cakes as fuel. Department officials said that they have initially recommended replacing 20 per cent of traditional wood with cow dung cakes with an aim of observing and monitoring fuel usage. Depending on supply and public response, the share could gradually be increased to 30, 40, or even 50 per cent. According to department estimates, if Delhi's cremation grounds were to completely replace wood it would collectively require around four lakh kilogram of cow dung cakes per day. However, the current supply stands at only 10,000 kilogram per day — highlighting a significant shortfall. 'The civic body sources cow dung from Delhi and dairies located within a 100 kilometre radius of NCR, as in-city production is low. Most dairy waste otherwise ends up in drains, contributing to water pollution and using it for cremations is a far better alternative,' an official explained. A handler at one of the cremation grounds said, 'We have cow dung cakes available here, but most people still prefer wood. If someone asks for cow dung cakes, we provide 10 kilogram for free, following which we charge Rs 7 per kilogram. This arrangement has been in place for the last three to four years.' The health department also backed the move, citing an order from 2022 which had authorised the use of cow dung in cremations. 'The concept has merit, but the challenges include flammability, as cow dung cakes catch moisture quickly , an and inconsistent supply. In many cremation grounds, the idea was dropped earlier due to logistical hurdles,' a health department official said. While CNG and electric cremation options are expanding in the city, officials said wood-based cremations remain widely used by communities as a traditional practice. The effort to replace a part of that wood with cow dung cakes is being seen as a measured, culturally sensitive, and environmentally progressive step — one that could have long-term benefits in reducing carbon emissions, managing dairy waste, and preserving natural resources. PTI NSM NSM OZ OZ This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Cremation grounds under MCD recommended to replace 20 per cent firewood with cow dung cakes
New Delhi, The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has asked its cremation grounds to replace 20 per cent of firewood with cow dung cakes, an idea that was first explored during the COVID-19 pandemic to promote eco-friendly practices. Cremation grounds under MCD recommended to replace 20 per cent firewood with cow dung cakes The plan involves bifurcating materials cow dung and stubble into uniform logs of two to three feet for better combustion, with NGOs and private stakeholders also showing interest in supporting the initiative, a senior official told PTI. Officials said the initiative, though not mandatory, aims to gradually transition towards cleaner alternatives and an advisory has been issued encouraging cremation grounds to replace up to 20 per cent of traditional wood with cow dung cakes during cremations. The move was discussed in a recent stakeholder meeting convened by the MCD including officials from the health department, horticulture division, manufacturers of dung-based items, NGOs and other experts, another official said. They said while the idea was first explored during the COVID-19 pandemic in the erstwhile North Corporation, it is now being revived with a more structured and planned approach. A senior MCD official said the initiative has both environmental and logistical benefits. It reduces the dependence on wood and also helps manage the cow dung waste generated across the city's dairy colonies. While many people see cow dung as a sacred material, its acceptability for cremation is still evolving. There is still hesitation in fully embracing it as people still prefer wood. But there is a gradual shift, he added. Currently, Delhi has 59 cremation grounds, including both wood-based and CNG-operated units, spread across all the 12 zones. City-SP, Shahdara, and south Delhi are among the four municipal zones where around 10 cremation grounds are already using cow dung cakes as fuel. Department officials said that they have initially recommended replacing 20 per cent of traditional wood with cow dung cakes with an aim of observing and monitoring fuel usage. Depending on supply and public response, the share could gradually be increased to 30, 40, or even 50 per cent. According to department estimates, if Delhi's cremation grounds were to completely replace wood it would collectively require around four lakh kilogram of cow dung cakes per day. However, the current supply stands at only 10,000 kilogram per day highlighting a significant shortfall. "The civic body sources cow dung from Delhi and dairies located within a 100 kilometre radius of NCR, as in-city production is low. Most dairy waste otherwise ends up in drains, contributing to water pollution and using it for cremations is a far better alternative," an official explained. A handler at one of the cremation grounds said, "We have cow dung cakes available here, but most people still prefer wood. If someone asks for cow dung cakes, we provide 10 kilogram for free, following which we charge ₹7 per kilogram. This arrangement has been in place for the last three to four years." The health department also backed the move, citing an order from 2022 which had authorised the use of cow dung in cremations. "The concept has merit, but the challenges include flammability, as cow dung cakes catch moisture quickly , an and inconsistent supply. In many cremation grounds, the idea was dropped earlier due to logistical hurdles," a health department official said. While CNG and electric cremation options are expanding in the city, officials said wood-based cremations remain widely used by communities as a traditional practice. The effort to replace a part of that wood with cow dung cakes is being seen as a measured, culturally sensitive, and environmentally progressive step one that could have long-term benefits in reducing carbon emissions, managing dairy waste, and preserving natural resources. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Hindustan Times
26-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
NDMC approves mech sweepers, pink toiles and temple upkeep
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) on Wednesday approved a series of civic infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing public amenities in Lutyens' Delhi, including procurement of new mechanical road sweepers (MRS), construction of 'pink toilets' for women in all major markets, and the beautification of key temple complexes, officials said. NDMC on Wednesday approved a series of civic infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing public amenities in Lutyens' Delhi. (HT PHOTO) Wednesday's council meeting, chaired by area MLA and Delhi government minister Parvesh Verma, was also attended by New Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj, NDMC chairperson Keshav Chandra, and vice chairman Kuljeet Chahal. Besides taking up policy matters, the council also unanimously passed a resolution condemning the imposition of Emergency in 1975, calling it a 'dark phase' that trampled civil liberties and democratic institutions. 'The resolution marks the 50th anniversary of Emergency and recalls how citizens' fundamental rights, civil liberties, and democratic institutions were brutally suppressed during the 21-month Emergency,' Chahal said. Among the major decisions was the launch of a comprehensive temple beautification plan. 'From Hanuman Mandir, Kali Mata Mandir, Valmiki Temple, Bhairon Temple — complexes of all major temples will be beautified for which a panel is being formed. Beautification efforts will include horticulture, lighting, and seating areas for devotees,' Verma said. To address dust pollution and ensure year-round road cleaning, NDMC approved the procurement of five new CNG-operated mechanical sweepers. Diesel-operated sweepers are no longer permitted under National Green Tribunal norms, and the Central Pollution Control Board will fund the ₹ 6.7 crore project. 'Our existing machines from 2017-18 break down frequently, impacting NDMC's ability to meet its daily cleaning target of 365km of roads,' Chahal added. Verma also announced a women-centric initiative to install at least one pink toilet in every market within NDMC limits. 'These facilities will be staffed entirely by women and include vending machines for sanitary napkins, baby care areas, and drinking water,' he said. The council also pledged to extend civic services to under-served areas such as JJ clusters and dhobi ghats. 'Seva Bastis and dhobi ghats must be part of our larger urban development agenda. This is about inclusive governance,' Verma said.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Delhi to roll out GPS-enabled anti-smog gun vehicles in industrial hubs from June
Aiming to improve the city's air quality, the Delhi Government is set to deploy eight GPS-enabled hydraulic anti-smog gun vehicles across key industrial areas of the national capital, with the initiative to continue for ten months, excluding the monsoon period, officials said Friday. The programme will run for 10 months, excluding the monsoon period, with the goal to significantly reduce airborne particulate matter and improve the air quality. Each CNG-operated truck is equipped with an advanced anti-smog gun capable of spraying a fine mist over a horizontal distance of 30 meters and rotating 330 degrees, allowing comprehensive dust suppression, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said. He added that the vehicles also feature horizontal sprinklers along their width to spray water directly onto roads, consuming at least 1,500 litres of water per hour. Starting June 2025, the initiative, in collaboration with the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC), will be implemented across key industrial areas. Each vehicle will function in two daily shifts- from 3 am to 7 am, and again during non-peak afternoon hours - totaling eight hours per day. "Our government is fully committed to ensuring industrial growth while protecting the environment. We are taking concrete steps to minimise industrial waste and improve infrastructure so that businesses can thrive responsibly," Sirsa said. Currently, the DSIIDC operates eight water sprinklers and three anti-smog guns in the Bawana and Narela industrial zones. The new vehicles will extend coverage to Patparganj, Okhla Phase-III, A Block and S Block Phase-II, Jhilmil, Nangloi, Udyog Vihar, Badli, and Bhorgarh. Two additional vehicles will be kept in reserve for industrial areas managed by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the minister added.
