Pune Air Action Hub Launches ‘Green Farewell’ Campaign to Promote Eco-Friendly Cremation Options

Pune, 2nd October 2024: In an effort to promote environmentally sustainable practices, the Pune Air Action Hub has initiated the ‘Green Farewell’ campaign, encouraging residents to register for electric or gas cremation options instead of the traditional wood-burning method. The campaign highlights the alarming environmental impact of wood cremation, which requires the cutting down of two mature trees per cremation. Annually, around 5 to 6 crore trees are felled across India to meet the demands for cremation wood.

Currently, Pune sees an average of 855 cremations each month, with 373 conducted using wood pyres. In contrast, 371 cremations occur in electric facilities and 172 in gas-powered ones. The use of wood for cremation not only leads to significant deforestation but also releases harmful pollutants that can adversely affect public health.

“Opting for electric or gas cremation offers a sustainable alternative that minimizes harmful emissions,” said Shweta Vernekar, a member of the Pune Air Action Hub. “These methods allow for a more controlled process that safely reduces remains to ashes while preventing the release of harmful pollutants like Particulate Matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). This shift can protect both our health and our forests for future generations.”

The ‘Green Farewell’ campaign aims to raise awareness about cleaner cremation options and promote behavioral change within the community. By garnering public support, the initiative hopes to push for the availability of electric and gas cremation facilities across all wards in Pune, ensuring that citizens have easy access to eco-friendly options. Additionally, the campaign advocates for the establishment of standard guidelines for crematoria management.

Residents interested in supporting the cause can easily sign up through a simple online form, which adds their name to the registry and awards them an online certificate. This certificate can then be shared with family members to communicate their wishes regarding cremation. More details about the initiative can be found on the campaign’s website: [Green Farewell](https://greenfarewell.wordpress.com/).

Shweta Vernekar highlighted a critical issue, noting, “Out of around 50 crematoria in Pune, only six have facilities for electric cremation, and just 15 for gas cremation. The Environment Status Report shows that a staggering 44% of citizens still opt for wood-based cremation, indicating a pressing need to transition to cleaner alternatives.”

Vandan Chavan, a former Rajya Sabha member, voiced his support for the campaign. “Last year, the Hub conducted a survey of crematoria and submitted recommendations to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). I trust that the relevant departments are considering these suggestions. This campaign is crucial for raising awareness about the benefits of eco-friendly cremation alternatives.”

Dr. Swapnil Kulkarni, a pulmonologist and Director of Birth and Breath Clinics, emphasized the health hazards associated with wood emissions. “Burning wood is more hazardous than diesel emissions,” he explained. “Exposure to these emissions can affect pregnant women and their unborn children, leading to lower birth weights and an increased risk of asthma. Furthermore, pollution from wood cremation contributes to various diseases, including lung cancer, heart disorders, diabetes, and mental health issues.”

PMC Environment Officer Mangesh Dighe elaborated on the government’s response, stating, “Under the 15th Finance Commission, we are implementing Air Pollution Control (APC) systems for wood pyres and planning to establish more electric and gas crematoria in newly merged villages.”

Sharmila Deo, another Hub member, stated, “This campaign aims to promote sustainable practices in end-of-life rituals. While it’s essential to increase the availability of eco-friendly options in crematoriums across the city, we also need to reach out to citizens to encourage them to utilize these facilities.”

Vikrant Latkar, a local resident who has been affected by living near a crematorium, shared his personal experience. “I had to move my family due to health issues caused by living so close to a crematorium. We deal not only with health problems but also with the soot and unpleasant odors that come from it.”

Through the ‘Green Farewell’ campaign, the Pune Air Action Hub seeks to foster a shift towards more environmentally responsible practices in the community, aiming for a future where eco-friendly cremation becomes the norm.