Bhupesh Baghel, the chief minister of Chhattisgarh, stated that the government's plan is to train local women in producing and selling clean energy as the state aims to move away from coal. He mentioned that there is a global trend towards green energy and while coal is crucial for meeting the state's energy needs, they are looking for alternative sources. Baghel emphasized the importance of considering the future of the people, especially the indigenous population, when gradually transitioning away from coal. He also highlighted the need to protect forests and biodiversity. India is a significant player in the coal industry, being the second-largest importer, consumer, and producer of coal, with substantial reserves located in Chhattisgarh. India announced at the COP26 climate summit last year that it intends to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and increase the proportion of renewable energy in its energy mix from 38% to 50% by 2030. In order to benefit the over 40% of Chhattisgarh residents living below the poverty line, Baghel's government implemented a circular economy plan in 2020. This plan aims to create more job opportunities, increase incomes, and establish a sustainable rural economy by establishing industrial parks and supporting women's groups in producing and selling natural products. Recently, energy derived from cow dung was included in this initiative. Villagers involved in Baghel's main programme receive payment of 2 rupees ($0.03) for every kilogram of dung they collect, which is then transformed into various products like organic compost, fuel for fires, and herbal colors used in local festivals. "It covers a variety of topics - from addressing the issue of stray cattle in the streets to improving livelihoods and promoting environmental sustainability," Baghel mentioned during a break in the legislative assembly session in Raipur, the state capital. "We have established 8,000 gouthans in villages where cow dung is processed into products, with plans to eventually generate power." Despite India's push to increase coal mining for energy production until 2024, Baghel, who assumed office in late 2018, has resisted opening new mines in the Hasdeo Arand region to protect the intact forests. He acknowledges that coal dependency cannot be eliminated overnight but believes in the importance of developing a long-term plan. The state has partnered with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre to set up 500 biogas plants in the gouthan spaces, each capable of providing electricity for over 2,500 homes daily. Depending on the amount of cow dung collected, the plants will either be permanent installations or small mobile units. Baghel stated that they will be generating power right at people's doorsteps. While the state is waiting for approval for solar power projects, energy from cow dung will be produced continuously, with women being trained to operate and maintain the digesters that convert animal waste into biogas. The biogas will be used for cooking and generating electricity, which will be distributed through a micro-grid to the local community. This power will be provided to rural industries and homes, as well as used for street lighting, with any excess being fed into the state electricity grid. Decentralizing power generation and distribution will provide easier access to electricity for everyone, including indigenous people who often struggle to access electricity. This initiative will also create green jobs and improve lives, according to Baghel. He emphasized the goal of making money from cow dung, drawing inspiration from Hindu scriptures and his childhood in a village. Baghel's plan focuses on self-reliance and returning to nature. G V Ramanjaneyulu, executive director of the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, supported the approach, stating that it would increase energy access and address agricultural waste. Ramanjaneyulu also noted that decentralized energy is beneficial and using dung as a source is practical and profitable. Baghel's administration is supporting the Indian government's initiative to transition away from coal in areas affected by mine closures. They are focusing on helping workers develop new skills to pursue careers in eco-tourism or fish-farming. By demonstrating the profitability of these alternative jobs and providing incentives, they are encouraging workers to adapt and embrace the changes ahead.