City's 70% Cremations Still Performed Using Firewood

Time of India

07-05-2025

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Nagpur: Even as Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) invests in eco-friendly cremation infrastructure, most of the city's population continues to rely on traditional firewood-based methods. In 2024–25, over 70% of all cremations in Nagpur — 12,260 out of 17,414 — were performed using firewood, reaffirming a strong cultural attachment despite environmental and health concerns.A year-wise analysis of NMC data shows that while there was a noticeable shift towards cleaner methods during the pandemic, the trend did not sustain. In 2018–19, firewood was used in 94.6% of all cremations. This figure dropped sharply to 67.1% in 2020–21, during the first Covid-19 wave, when many citizens switched to gas-based crematoriums due to health risks and logistical convenience. Mokshadham, the city's largest piped-gas crematorium, saw usage jump from just 351 cremations in 2018–19 to over 5,000 in 2020–21.But the shift was temporary. By 2021–22 and in the years since, firewood use crept back up — hovering around 70%. While gas-based cremations at Mokshadham continue to contribute over 4,000 cremations annually, the use of other cleaner options like LPG and diesel has declined. LPG-based cremations dropped from 1,218 in 2020–21 to just 489 in 2024–25, and diesel use fell from 1,095 to 293 over the same period.Environmental experts warn that this trend could worsen the city's air quality. A study by the Centre for Sustainable Development (CFSD) reported that emissions from traditional cremations are directly affecting residents living near key crematoriums like Mokshadham, Gangabai, and Manewada, with increased complaints of respiratory illnesses, eye irritation, and throat infections.To mitigate this, NMC has floated a Rs5.21 crore tender to install pollution control units at these three crematoriums, funded under the Centre's National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). The project includes seven filtration units at Mokshadham and four each at Gangabai and Manewada — intended to capture harmful particulate matter and toxic gases before they are released into the environment.Nagpur's crematorium count has increased from 19 to 21, and six facilities now offer briquette-based cremation — a cleaner alternative to firewood. Yet, civic officials admit that cultural beliefs, lack of awareness, and limited outreach have slowed the adoption of such methods."The infrastructure exists, but behavioural change is still lagging," said an NMC official. "Until people see eco-friendly cremation as compatible with tradition, uptake will remain low."As Nagpur confronts rising pollution levels, promoting and normalising cleaner last rites may be essential — both for the environment and public health.NMC is in the final stage to create LPG-based cremation facilities at four more crematoriums: Manewada, Mankapur, Shanti Nagar, and Narsala. The civil structures required for the eco-friendly cremation facilities are already completed, confirmed chief sanitary officer Dr Gajendra Mahalle.For this purpose, a fund of Rs1.85 crore has already been earmarked in the 2024-25 NMC budget. The work will commence soon, he said. Besides this, under the Nag River Pollution Abatement project, the civic body has also set up the city's first electric crematorium at Mokshadham Ghat.