Delhi University Principal’s Cow Dung Experiment to Cool Classrooms Stirs Controversy

A Delhi University college principal’s unconventional approach to combating rising temperatures has ignited a heated debate. Pratyush Vatsala, principal of Lakshmibai College, has spearheaded an initiative to coat classroom walls with cow dung, citing its potential to lower indoor temperatures. The move, part of a research project titled “Study of Heat Stress Control by Using Traditional Indian Knowledge,” aims to cool classrooms in the college’s C Block.

The experiment has drawn mixed reactions. Some praise the effort as an innovative use of traditional methods to address heat stress, while others question its practicality and hygiene in an academic setting. Vatsala defended the initiative, emphasizing its alignment with sustainable practices and its basis in ongoing research.

Visuals of the principal applying cow dung to the walls, widely shared on social media, have amplified the discussion, with opinions split on whether the method is a bold step toward eco-friendly cooling or an unsuitable solution for a modern educational institution. The controversy has spotlighted broader questions about balancing tradition and innovation in tackling climate challenges.

As the debate unfolds, Lakshmibai College’s experiment continues to draw attention, with stakeholders awaiting further results from the research project to assess its effectiveness.