To Tackle Air Pollution Issues, Pune Municipal Corporation To Set Up Gas Crematoriums At 14 Spots
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In a significant move to address air pollution in Pune, the municipality has decided to install gas stations at fourteen crematoriums across the city. This initiative aims to mitigate the air pollution caused by traditional cremation methods, which has been a growing concern for the city’s residents.
Funding from the 15th Finance Commission
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has received a ₹10 crore fund from the 15th Finance Commission of the Central Government. These funds will be utilized to set up gas stations at the selected crematoriums, providing an eco-friendly alternative to conventional wood and cow dung-based cremation practices.
### Modernizing Crematorium Facilities
The PMC has been proactive in modernizing crematorium facilities throughout the city. In addition to setting up electric crematoriums in certain areas, the focus is now on expanding the use of gas stations. Notably, the Vaikunth Crematorium has already adopted this latest technology to reduce air pollution.
So far, eight gas plants have been successfully installed under this initiative. The proposed expansion includes setting up gas crematoriums at the following locations: Tulsiram Burning Ghat, Wagholi, Dhanori, Koregaon Park, Sutarwadi, Baner, Pashan, Sus-Mhalunge, Uttamnagar, Ramtekdi, Manjari, Kondhwa Khurd, Yevlewadi, and Mohamadwadi.
### Current Crematorium Infrastructure
The city currently hosts a total of 18 gas stations and several electric crematoriums:
– **Electric Crematoriums:** Yerwada Kailas (2 units), Kharadi, Kothrud, Baner, and Vaikunth (3 units).
– **Gas Stations:** Vishrantwadi, Koregaon Park, Vadgaon Sheri, Pashan, Dhayari, Dhankawadi, Hadapsar, Wanawadi, Mundhwa, Vaikunth (1 each), and Bibwewadi, Bopodi, Aundh (2 each).
This initiative by the PMC reflects a commitment to adopting cleaner and more sustainable cremation practices, thereby addressing public health concerns and improving air quality in Pune.
