Nagpur: Maharashtra based National Environment Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), has developed a green technology for cremations which cuts air pollution from dust and toxic gases that are released in the air when a body is cremated.
The technology called 'green crematoria' has been installed at Nigambodh Ghat in Delhi.
When a body is cremated, 5 kg of dust is released into the air along with dangerous gases. Each human body requires at least 300 kg of firewood for cremation and results in dangerous emissions which is harmful to the environment and humans.
The extent of pollution during cremation remains largely neglected. NEERI, therefore, took up research on this important factor of air pollution and developed a technology that will absorb the dust and toxic gases and treats them.
"The green crematoria has been installed at the four pyres on Nigambodh Ghat in Delhi. It was recently inaugurated. This can be replicated in other major cities in future. This technology will prove its significance in reducing the pollution caused due to emissions at the crematorium," an official said.
"Thousands of people have died due to the Covid pandemic. During this time the pollution from crematoriums is rising. This technology developed by NEERI will be important during these trying times. While the body is being burnt, particulate matters--PM-10 and PM 2.5 are released in the air in the first hour which impacts the surrounding area besides other pollutants like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulphur oxide and nitrogen oxide are emitted. These emissions are highly dangerous for human beings," the official added.
NEERI is also involved in research on water pollution, air pollution and solid waste pollution. Its principal scientist Padma Rao leads the research to develop green crematoria.
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