In a unique green initiative aligned with the push for a cow-based economy, Bhopal is set to adorn its public walls with paint made from cow dung. The Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) is rolling out this plan as part of its annual city beautification drive ahead of the crucial Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) Survey 2026.
Pilot Project and a Self-Sustaining Model
Bhopal Mayor Malti Rai confirmed that a pilot project is under close consideration. The outcomes of this trial will guide the full-scale implementation. The core idea is to establish a self-reliant, eco-friendly cycle. Cow dung will be sourced from city gaushalas (cow shelters) and used to manufacture the paint locally through a co-operative society model. This approach aims to cut costs, generate local employment, and support the gaushalas financially.
"With this step, we aim to achieve self-reliance in eco-friendly paint production, creating local jobs and strengthening sustainable innovation," Mayor Rai stated. This initiative builds upon the BMC's previous successful 'Go-Kashth' model, which provided an alternative to wood logs for cremations and Holika Dahan, helping reduce deforestation.
Drivers Behind the Green Shift
The move is inspired by a similar project in Jaipur and is strategically timed to improve Bhopal's position in the national cleanliness rankings. Bhopal has consistently been ranked among the cleanest and greenest state capitals in India.
The traditional method of city beautification involves massive quantities of paint, often containing toxic chemicals. The BMC recently floated a proposal worth nearly Rs 3 crore to paint about 20,000 square metres of public walls—an area equivalent to almost six football fields—with conventional black Japan paint.
However, authorities have recognized the environmental cost. Large-scale use of chemical paints releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals, which seep into the air and water systems. This poses a particular threat to Bhopal, famously known as the "City of Lakes," and its delicate ecosystem.
Economic Benefits and Critical Voices
Entrepreneur Durga Priyadarshini highlighted a significant economic advantage, noting that cow dung-based eco-friendly paint is priced nearly 20% lower than conventional paints. This could lead to substantial savings for the civic body.
BMC's Additional Commissioner and SBM in-charge, Varun Awasthi, said proposals for the cow dung paint are encouraging. The BMC is currently evaluating the paint's performance and durability under Bhopal's specific climatic conditions.
Despite the enthusiasm, the proposal has its critics. Some have repeatedly demanded greater transparency from manufacturers, asking them to disclose the actual proportion of cow dung used in the paint. Furthermore, certain experts caution that while such natural paints perform well indoors, their suitability may be limited when exposed to harsh outdoor weather conditions, requiring careful assessment before widespread outdoor application.
If successful, this initiative could set a precedent for other Indian cities, merging traditional practices with modern urban beautification goals while supporting local economies and protecting the environment.
