Roorkee: A village panchayat in Roorkee has emerged as a model of energy self-reliance after setting up a cow dung-based biogas plant that has significantly reduced dependence on LPG cylinders. The initiative, led by village head Swami Ghanshyam, is now moving towards electricity generation through the gaushala project.
The project has been developed in Haljora village under Ibrahimpur Masahi Gram Panchayat. Swami Ghanshyam said the idea of establishing a biogas plant came two years ago during the energy crisis. He contacted officials of Swachh Bharat Mission Swajal Haridwar and prepared a detailed project proposal, which was approved.
In 2023, the gram panchayat received Rs 20 lakh from Swajal funds for the project. A large pit was constructed on nearly one bigha of land and strengthened from inside before installing an airtight iron digester chamber.
As the gas pressure increases, the chamber rises and gas is supplied through pipelines to nearly 40 households in the village. Each family contributes Rs 300 every month to the gram panchayat for maintenance and expansion of the system.
Swami Ghanshyam said work is now underway on a project to generate electricity for the village through the gaushala. Under the proposed plan, bulls and calves at the shelter will rotate turbines to produce power.
The gaushala currently houses 51 cattle, including 40 calves and bulls. Among 11 cows, only one gives milk, yet the gaushala has become self-reliant through the biogas project.
He said the initiative has also reduced expenses related to transportation of cow dung and fuel. The cattle graze in nearby forest areas during the day and return to the shelter in the evening. Farmers are also purchasing organic manure produced by the biogas plant, while work on vermicompost production has also started.
