In a nation of 1.42 billion people, traditional cremation practices among Indian Hindus pose a significant environmental threat. The preference for conventional wood pyres, deeply rooted in religious and cultural beliefs, has inadvertently contributed to a global problem. Each cremation, requiring 400-500kg of wood, generates half a million tonnes of ash and releases a staggering 8 million tonnes of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, exacerbating the rise in global temperatures.

The alarming statistics stem from the fact that, according to UN estimates, around 10 million people pass away in India annually, with approximately 84% of the population being Hindu, the majority opting for cremation.

Efforts to promote electric crematoriums, which eliminate the need for wood, produce no smoke, and leave minimal ash, have faced resistance. Despite their eco-friendly advantages, these alternatives have yet to gain widespread acceptance, primarily due to religious, sentimental, social, and practical reasons.

The potential environmental impact of a complete shift to electric or CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) crematoriums is substantial. Estimates suggest a reduction in carbon emissions by up to five million credits, with a potential value of around Rs6,500 crore in an era where carbon credits can be traded as part of the global effort to combat climate change.

Cities like Kanpur provide vivid examples of the adverse effects of traditional cremations on both the environment and the living. Piles of ash and bones accumulate on riverbanks, waiting for families to claim them. In months with low water levels, the ashes settle on riverbeds, exacerbating pollution and affecting air quality. While the environmental benefits of electric and CNG cremations are evident, there are challenges in convincing the broader population to adopt these practices. Religious rituals, such as placing ashes into the Ganga, remain a significant obstacle. Many believe that for the soul to be entirely free, all ten important organs must be burnt, and the ashes must be immersed in the river. Electric crematoriums, unfortunately, do not facilitate this essential ritual. Efforts by organizations like Mokshda, which received $1 million from the United Nations Development Programme, aim to address these challenges. Their environmentally friendly cremation system, still wood-based but requiring only 100kg of wood and burning the body in less than half the time, offers a compromise. The organization plans to expand this technology in major cities, hoping to strike a balance between eco-consciousness and adherence to cultural practices.

As India grapples with the adverse consequences of conventional cremations, the promotion and acceptance of CNG crematoriums emerge as a pragmatic solution. While acknowledging the sensitivity of religious beliefs, the shift towards cleaner and more sustainable practices is essential to ensure a harmonious coexistence of cultural traditions and environmental responsibility.

Source: LIVEMINT