To address the growing problem of mule dung along the Kedarnath Dham trek route during the Char Dham Yatra, the Uttarakhand government has approved a new environmental initiative. As a pilot project, biomass pellets will be produced using mule dung and pine needles (pirul). The proposal has received clearance from the state cabinet.
During the pilgrimage season, more than 8,000 mules are used to ferry devotees from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Dham. The large number of animals leads to the accumulation of dung along the trekking route, creating hygiene and environmental concerns. To tackle this issue, the government has planned to convert mule dung along with pine needles into biomass pellets.
These pellets will be used as fuel for heating water and for other purposes. Under the plan, collection centres will be set up at every two-kilometre interval along the Kedarnath pedestrian route to gather mule dung. A biomass pellet plant will be installed near Kedarnath Dham at an estimated cost of ₹1.43 crore.
Tourism department officials stated that while biomass pellets are commonly made from cow dung, this is the first time in the state that mule dung and pine needles will be used together for pellet production. The project aims to support environmental protection and is also expected to generate employment opportunities for local residents.
