Sambalpur: Sri Krishna Gosala’s New Initiative for Environmental Protection; Funeral Pyres to Burn with Cow Dung Logs

Sambalpur: In a unique eco-friendly initiative, Shree Krishna Gosala located at Potapali near Sambalpur, has started producing cow dung logs to protect the environment and maintain ecological balance.

At the gosala, cow dung is being used to make paneer, compost, and especially cow dung logs (called gobar kaath), which can be used during Hindu cremation rituals.

Saving Trees with Cow Dung Logs

By using these cow dung logs instead of traditional wood, the demand for cutting trees will reduce, helping to save the environment. Gosala officials hope that this initiative will help reduce deforestation and encourage people to adopt eco-friendly practices.

Families of the deceased can now order these cow dung logs, and the gosala will deliver them directly to the cremation ground. Recently, some people have already started using them at Sambalpur Rajghat, appreciating their effectiveness.

Though the logs cannot completely replace wood, using them in combination can reduce the amount of wood required for cremations.

About Shree Krishna Gosala

Founded 129 years ago in 1896 by cow lovers in Sambalpur, Shree Krishna Gosala started with just 260 cows. Over time, it has grown significantly. Currently, the gosala houses around 1,000 cows, with approximately 40 of them producing milk. The gosala receives both government and private donations for its operations.

In 2022, the gosala was relocated from Samaleswari Temple to its current location at Potapali to support the temple’s development and beautification under the ‘Samalei’ project.

Cow Dung Logs in Action

Chandrakumar Saraf, trustee of the gosala, shared that women workers are actively making cow dung logs. Each sack contains 10 to 12 pieces of logs, each around 1 to 1.5 feet long and weighing 12-14 kg. These logs are already being supplied to Rajghat for cremations.

On average, families are using 3 to 4 sacks of dung logs along with wood for cremations. Environmentalists and locals have praised the initiative, highlighting that it will help save thousands of trees in the long run.