New Delhi has announced a major initiative to promote environmentally friendly last rites. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will now offer free cremation services at all electric and CNG-based crematoriums across the capital.
A Mega Step for Public Welfare
Officials describe this decision as a mega step. It targets two critical issues simultaneously. First, it aims to reduce the financial strain on grieving families. Second, it seeks to cut down on air pollution caused by traditional wood-burning cremations.
The proposal has already received top-level approval. Formal orders will soon reach all affected cremation grounds. This move represents a necessary intervention from both environmental and public welfare perspectives.
Current Cremation Costs and Practices
Currently, wood-based cremation remains the most common method in Delhi. It costs about Rs 700 per quintal of wood. An average cremation uses three to four quintals. This pushes the total cost to between Rs 2,100 and Rs 2,800.
In contrast, CNG cremation costs around Rs 1,500. Electric cremation is even more economical at about Rs 500. Despite these lower costs and environmental benefits, electric and CNG facilities see limited use.
MCD manages two electric crematoriums and eight CNG-based facilities. Yet many families still prefer traditional wood-based methods due to long-standing customs.
Environmental and Financial Benefits
Officials highlight that traditional cremation contributes significantly to air pollution. Burning large quantities of wood releases harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This practice becomes especially problematic during Delhi's peak pollution periods.
By making electric and CNG cremations free, MCD hopes to overcome both financial and psychological barriers. Removing user charges could encourage more people to adopt greener alternatives.
One official explained, "Once the cost factor is eliminated, people may become more willing to move away from conventional practices. This step should significantly increase utilization of cleaner cremation methods."
Expert Opinions on Cleaner Cremation
Environmental experts have welcomed this initiative. Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director at the Centre for Science and Environment, noted key advantages. Crematoriums using electricity and natural gas operate much cleaner than wood-burning methods.
She pointed to controlled combustion processes and advanced filtration systems. These features result in fewer harmful air pollutants and lower overall carbon emissions.
Sunil Dahiya, founder of think tank EnviroCatalysts, emphasized efficiency gains. "Electric crematoriums use heat generated through electricity in closed chambers," he said. "This achieves better energy efficiency and improved emission controls compared to open combustion."
MCD's Cremation Infrastructure
Beyond the electric and CNG facilities, MCD oversees a vast network of traditional cremation grounds. The corporation manages 50 wood-based cremation sites across Delhi.
It also oversees seven Muslim graveyards, five burial grounds for children, and four Christian cemeteries. Most of these burial sites are operated by non-governmental organizations.
Ongoing Infrastructure Development
Several infrastructure projects are currently underway. A CNG mortuary at the Dassghat cremation ground has recently been completed. Construction of another facility at PK Road in Mangolpuri continues.
The electric crematorium at Sarai Kale Khan is receiving upgrades. This facility handles last rites for unclaimed bodies. Additional land development has occurred at the Buland Masjid graveyard and graveyards in Mulla Colony and Sapera Basti.
Under corporate social responsibility initiatives, two new CNG furnaces are being installed. These will serve cremation grounds in Mangolpuri and Rohini Sector 26.
Monitoring and Future Steps
Officials stated that the rollout will receive close monitoring. Further improvements in crematorium infrastructure may follow. Public awareness campaigns could also be launched to ensure wider adoption of eco-friendly practices.
This initiative aligns with Delhi's broader push to address air quality concerns. By encouraging cleaner cremation methods, the civic body expects measurable reductions in emissions from traditional pyres.
The move represents a practical approach to environmental policy. It combines immediate financial relief for citizens with long-term benefits for Delhi's air quality.
