Eco-friendly Lord Ganesha idols made of cow dung

Parveen Arora

Karnal, July 5

Aiming at utilising cow dung and also saving the environment, scientists of the ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (ICAR-NDRI), here, have started making eco-friendly idols of Lord Ganesha by using dung of indigenous cow and clay at the National Innovation in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NIICRA) complex of the institute.

As per the scientists, it is not only environmental-friendly, but will also provide alternative source of earning. Besides, the eco-friendly idols are a good alternative to the environmental hazardous plaster of paris.

“Cow dung is considered to be auspicious. We use cow dung before any hawan or ‘puja’. Considering its value, our scientists and students have started making idols, diyas and other items from the dung of indigenous cows,” said Dr Manmohan Singh Chauhan, Director, NDRI.

Giving credits to Dr Ashutosh, Principal Scientist of NIICRA, Dr Sunita Meena, Senior Scientist, Dharambir, and students involved in this project, the Director said the harmful chemicals used in the making and painting of idols took a toll on water bodies by contaminating these. During Ganesh Chaturthi, people worship Lord Ganesha and immerse the idols which are made of different materials, but the idols made by cow dung will not pollute the water. Instead, it would be beneficial for the aquatic organisams present in the water, the Director maintained. The scientists say the indigenous cow dung has natural water purifying properties and it reduces the percentage of acid in water. “Cow dung dissolves in water and generates bacteria, which helps aquatic life,” said Dr Cahauhan. Dr Ashutosh said their purpose was to help people earn and also making them aware that they can utilise the cow dung available in their surroundings.