Mussoorie, Nov. 13 -- In a first-of-its-kind environmental initiative, the state government, in collaboration with non-profit Himalayan Institute for Environment, Ecology & Development (HIFEED), has established a manufacturing unit in Sonprayag, Rudraprayag district, to produce eco-friendly fire pellets from mule dung and pine needles (pirul), officials said on Thursday. The facility is designed to tackle long-standing challenge of managing equine waste along the Kedarnath pilgrimage route. Rudraprayag district magistrate (DM) Vishal Mishra inspected the facility on Wednesday and reviewed its operations and production process. While the unit is not yet operating at a large scale, officials said that initial output has been promising. The biomass pellets produced at the plant will fuel hot water generators installed at Kedarnath Dham, ensuring a free, round-the-clock hot water supply for visiting pilgrims. Udit Ghildiyal, director of HIFEED, said, "The biomass pellets are carbon-neutral, making them a better fuel option from an environmental conservation perspective. With the production unit now established, we will be able to address the animal waste issue effectively." Beyond powering boilers at the Himalayan shrine, the pellets will be used in specialised stoves provided to local eateries along the yatra route, significantly curbing LPG and diesel consumption. Officials added that the biofuel will also be supplied to industrial furnaces across Uttarakhand to help reduce reliance on fossil fuels....