Overview

• Animal husbandry minister Dharmpal Singh directed that all livestock department buildings be painted with cow dung-based natural paint, following CM Yogi Adityanath's push for eco-friendly innovation.
• The state is conducting feasibility studies and exploring district-level production units to scale up the manufacturing of cow dung-based paint.
• Over 1.2 million stray cattle housed in 7,700 shelters across Uttar Pradesh produce significant amounts of dung, which the government seeks to monetize through products like paint, compost, and incense sticks.
• Opposition leaders, including SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, criticized the initiative as a diversion from governance issues, labeling it a political stunt.
• The BJP defended the move, emphasizing its alignment with cultural values and self-sustainability goals for cow shelters.