the effect that an expert group was constituted. After discussion and interaction with the stakeholders, Guidelines for Environmental Management of Dairy Farms and Gaushalas were finalized. As per available statistics, prepared by the CPCB population of adult female bovine in the country is 13,32,71,000. Many dairy farms and gaushalas discharge the cattle dung along with wastewater into the drains, leading to clogging, which ultimately reach rivers and creates water pollution. Also, these clogged drains become breeding ground for mosquitoes, creating health hazards and odour nuisance. The dung produces many gases/compounds such as Carbon dioxide, Ammonia, Hydrogen sulphide, Methane, etc. which are emitted into the atmosphere and are responsible for degradation of air quality. The greenhouse gases, mainly Methane and Carbon dioxide, produced by dung also impact the climate. Disposal of cow/buffalo dung is the biggest challenge in dairy farms and gaushalas. However, cattle dung, if effectively utilised, can be an excellent resource of manure & energy and reduce the adverse impact on environment. The cattle dung contains many beneficial constituents which may be used as fuel source either by direct combustion or converted to biogas, soil conditioner, fertilizers, material for wall plastering, construction of granaries, livestock & fish feeding, etc. The draft Guidelines stipulate solid waste management, waste water management, air quality management, monitoring mechanism to be adopted by the local authorities/ Corporations/ PCBs/ PCCs. The guidelines also prescribed a Performa for monitoring by the local authorities/Corporations for preparing inventories of dairies farm and gaushala.
