NGT said states should explore the possibility of electricity, PNG operated cremation centers

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed all states and union territories to adopt eco-friendly methods of cremation. Along with this, everyone has been asked to consider building electric or PNG powered cremation centers with wood to curb air pollution.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh ​​Kumar Goel said that cremation causes air pollution and electric/PNG powered cremation centers can be set up as an alternative to wood-based cremation.

The bench said that according to religious belief, the method of cremation by fire is considered sacred and 350-450 kg of wood is burnt in the open in a cremation ground. However, the bench also made it clear that it has no intention to hurt or hurt the religious sentiments of anyone.

The bench said that it has asked all the states and union territories to consider remedial steps to check such pollution and to educate the people and adopt eco-friendly methods of cremation.

The NGT said that initially, electricity/PNG powered crematoriums can be set up as an alternative to wood based crematoriums and if people are persuaded to do so, wood based crematoriums can be removed.

Reports show that serious efforts are not being made in this direction. The NGT was hearing a petition filed by Real Anchors Developers Pvt Ltd related to prevention of air pollution due to dust and emissions during cremation at Shakti Khand-4, Indirapuram, Ghaziabad.

The NGT also directed the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation to expedite the remedial process of old waste in a scientific manner and ensure speedy management and disposal of existing waste, ascertaining the status of management in terms of waste processing. The NGT said that the GDA and the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation can also submit their report through email before the next hearing.