Green Farewell: To check air pollution & felling of trees, Pune launches initiative for eco-friendly cremations

Shweta Vernekar, a member of the Pune Air Action Hub, said, “Air pollution from wood pyres is a serious issue, leading to diseases such as lung cancer, heart disorders, and mental health problems. By shifting to electricity or natural gas, we can reduce these harmful emissions and protect the environment.”

Wood pyres contribute significantly to deforestation and environmental degradation. In India, five to six crore trees are cut annually to meet the demand for wood for cremations. In Pune alone, 44 per cent of cremations are still performed using wood pyres.

Pune currently has 50 crematoria, but only six provide electric cremation facilities and 15 offer gas-based options. Only 24 of these crematoria are equipped with air pollution control systems for wood pyres, leaving many cremations contributing to unchecked pollution. Pune conducts 855 cremations on an average per month, of which 373 are wood-based, electric accounts for 371 cremations and gas-powered cremations number 172. This results in 746 trees being cut down monthly, amounting to 8,952 trees per year.

Former Rajya Sabha member Vandana Chavan said the Pune Air Action Hub conducted a survey of crematoria last year and shared the results with the PMC. “There is a great need to raise awareness of the benefits of switching from wood to eco-friendly cremations.”

The Green Farewell campaign allows people to register their preference for electric or gas-based cremations online. Registrants receive a certificate, which can be shared with their families to ensure their wishes are honoured. The campaign also advocates for the expansion of electric and gas cremation facilities across all wards in Pune and the establishment of standard guidelines for crematoria management.

“While more eco-friendly options need to be made available, outreach to the public is also crucial to ensure these facilities are used,” added Sharmila Deo, member of the Pune Air Action Hub.

Dr Swapnil Kulkarni, Director of Birth and Breath Clinics, highlighted the dangers of wood emissions. “Burning wood is far more hazardous than even diesel emissions. The impact is so severe that it affects not only individuals but also foetuses, as pregnant women exposed to wood emissions give birth to babies with lower birth weights, making them prone to asthma after birth. Pollution from wood burning also leads to a range of diseases including lung cancer, heart disorders, diabetes, kidney and liver damage, and mental illnesses.”

Mangesh Dighe, PMC Environment Officer, explained that under the 15th Finance Commission, Rs 9.92 crore has been allocated for the development of crematoria in Pune. The PMC plans to set up 14 new gas cremation facilities and equip wood pyres with air pollution control systems in newly merged villages.

With the Green Farewell campaign, the Pune Air Action Hub hopes to create a significant shift in the way people approach end-of-life rituals, paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.