Bhupesh Baghel, the chief minister of Chhattisgarh, expressed the government's intention to train local women in producing and selling clean energy as the state aims to shift away from coal. Baghel acknowledged the global trend towards green energy and emphasized the importance of finding alternative sources while recognizing coal's current role in meeting energy demands. He highlighted the government's focus on the well-being of the indigenous population and environmental conservation in the decision to gradually move away from coal. India, being a major player in the coal industry, has significant reserves, particularly in Chhattisgarh. During the COP26 climate summit last year, India announced its goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and increasing the proportion of renewables in its energy mix from 38% to 50% by 2030. In line with this commitment and with the aim of improving the lives of over 40% of Chhattisgarh residents living below the poverty line, Baghel's government introduced a circular economy plan in 2020. The plan is designed to create more employment opportunities, raise incomes, and establish a sustainable rural economy through the establishment of industrial parks and support for women's groups in producing and selling natural products, including energy derived from cow dung. In Baghel's flagship programme, villagers are compensated 2 rupees ($0.03) for every kilogram of dung collected, which is then processed into various products such as organic compost, fuel, and herbal colors for local festivals. Baghel mentioned that the initiatives in the state address various issues, such as stray cattle, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability. He stated that 8,000 community spaces called gouthans have been established in villages to collect cow dung and process it into products, with the goal of eventually generating power. Despite India's focus on coal mining for energy production, Baghel has resisted opening new mines in the Hasdeo Arand region, emphasizing the need for a long-term plan. The state has partnered with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre to set up 500 biogas plants in the gouthans, each capable of powering over 2,500 homes daily. Depending on the quantity of cow dung collected, the plants will either be permanent installations or small mobile units. Baghel stated that power will be generated right at the doorstep of the people. While the state is waiting for approval on proposed solar power projects, Baghel mentioned that energy from cow dung will be generated continuously. Women will be trained to operate and maintain the digesters that convert animal waste into biogas. This gas will be utilized for cooking and electricity production, which will be distributed through a micro-grid to the local area. The electricity will be provided to rural industries and households, used for street lighting, and any excess will be sent to the state electricity grid. Baghel emphasized the importance of decentralizing power generation and distribution to make electricity easily accessible to everyone, including indigenous people who often struggle to access it. He also mentioned the goal of generating income from cow dung. Drawing inspiration from Hindu scriptures and his own childhood experiences, Baghel emphasized the importance of self-reliance and giving back to nature in his plan. G V Ramanjaneyulu, executive director of the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, supported this approach, stating that it would improve energy access and address agricultural waste. He also highlighted the practicality and profitability of using dung as an energy source. Baghel's administration is aligned with the Indian government's initial strategy to move away from coal in regions where mines have closed. They are also focused on assisting workers in gaining new skills to pursue careers in eco-tourism or fish-farming. Baghel stated that they are demonstrating the profitability of these alternative jobs to people, offering incentives for them to transition. He believes that changes will soon be seen as a result of these efforts.