Chandigarh, July 24 - This is one kind of waste that will light up a lot of lives.

The Haryana government has initiated a Rs.220 million (Rs.22 crore) project to generate 330 KV of power from cow-dung in 'gaushalas' (cow-sheds) across the state.

An official spokesman of the state government said Friday that five cow-sheds have been identified for the pilot project to generate power. These are in Bhiwani, Jind, Hisar, Sonipat and Rohtak districts.

'Private companies had been given the work of generating power from cow dung in these gaushalas. A minimum of 330 KV power would be generated in these,' the spokesman said.

'This way, besides generating power, these 'gaushalas' would be able to become self-sufficient to raise income for the conservation and upkeep of the cows,' he added.

If the power generation is successful in the pilot project, it is likely to be extended to other gaushalas.

There are 174 registered gaushalas in the state which accommodate over 1.5 million cows.