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PMC launches QR system for easier access to eco-friendly cremations
Pune Municipal Corporation promotes electric and gas cremation to reduce air pollution, offering free facilities and QR codes for accessibility across the city.
Pune: To curb air pollution and promote sustainable practices, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has intensified efforts to encourage citizens to opt for electric and gas-based cremation, offering the facilities free of cost across the city.
To improve accessibility, the PMC has introduced a QR code system that provides details of crematoriums offering eco-friendly facilities. The QR codes will be displayed at the death pass centres across 54 hospitals and 19 maternity homes. The initiative is the brain child of former additional municipal commissioner, Prithviraj BP and the QR codes have been developed by the civic body’s IT department, said the officials.
The civic body operates 75 crematoriums in the city, of which 21 are equipped with electric or gas-based systems. Around 3,500 to 4,000 cremations take place in the city every month, with nearly 51% already being conducted using eco-friendly methods.
Civic officials said traditional wood-based cremations release large amounts of carbon, smoke and particulate matter, contributing to respiratory and cardiac illnesses. In contrast, electric and gas cremation methods significantly reduce emissions, lower the carbon footprint and complete the process in two to three hours.
Rajesh Dighe, assistant health officer of PMC, said the move will help reduce pressure on the city’s busiest cremation ground. “Vaikunth crematorium handles a large number of cremations daily. The initiative will ease the load there and also help reduce pollution in the surrounding area. Citizens should avoid unnecessary preference for a single crematorium,” he said.
Manisha Shekatkar, chief engineer of the electrical department, PMC, said the civic body is strengthening infrastructure and ensuring smooth functioning of these facilities across crematoriums.
As part of its awareness campaign, the PMC has also tied up with major private hospitals, which will distribute pamphlets along with the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death to inform families about available options.
A resident from Aundh, who recently opted for an electric cremation, said, “The process was quicker and more organised. Once people are aware, many will choose this option as it is both convenient and environmentally responsible.”
As per officials, the initiative is being implemented under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and the ‘LIFE’ (Lifestyle for Environment) campaign. The civic body has appealed to citizens to adopt eco-friendly cremation practices to reduce pollution and conserve resources.
Sharmila Deo, member of the Pune Air Action Hub, welcomed the initiative, saying, “This is a much-needed step. Pollution from open wood burning affects public health, and eco-friendly cremation facilities can significantly reduce that impact. Awareness about these facilities will encourage more citizens to opt for them.”
