Kanha Gaushala | 28 Apr 2025

Why in News? 

A two megawatt solar power plant will be installed at the Kanha Gaushala of the Agra Municipal Corporation, making it the first such Gaushala in the state that will produce and use renewable energy on a large scale. 

Key Points 

  • About Kanha Gaushala: 
    • This project is being implemented under the Municipal Bond Scheme, by the Municipal Corporation keeping in mind the goal of a green future by the year 2025. 
      • This will not only fulfill the energy needs of the cowshed from a clean source but will also strengthen environmental protection. 
    • The cowshed already has 100 solar street lights installed, which are an example of clean energy. 
    • Cow dung is being used to make cow dung cakes in the Gaushala, which are being used as an alternative to wood in religious rituals and funerals.  
    • This prevent deforestation and protect the environment . 
  • Location:  
    • The goshala is located on a land where the soil is barren and groundwater is saline. Despite this, a dense forest has been developed here in an area of 5000 square meters by Miyawaki technique , which promotes biodiversity and acts as a natural oxygen zone . 
    • This cowshed has now become a leading model of energy, greenery and innovation 

 Municipal Bonds 

  • Debt instruments issued by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to fund infrastructure and development projects.  
  • Advantages: Reduce reliance on government funds, enhance financial autonomy, attract private investment, and enable long-term urban financing.  
  • Challenges: Low issuance due to heavy dependence on state grants (38% of revenue in FY 24). Only a few cities like Pune, Ahmedabad, Surat, Hyderabad, and Lucknow have issued bonds.  
  • Spending Pattern (FY18-FY25): Most funds raised by municipalities through bonds were allocated to urban water supply and sewerage, followed by renewable energy and river development. 

Miyawaki Plantation Method 

  • The pioneer of the Miyawaki method is Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. With this method, forests can be converted into dense forests in a very short time. 
  • This methodology was developed in the 1970s with the basic aim of creating dense green cover within a small piece of land. 
  • In this process the trees grow on their own and within three years they grow to their full height. 
  • The plants used in the Miyawaki method are mostly self-sufficient and do not require regular maintenance such as fertilizing and watering.