Dr Harsh Vardhan inaugurates Green Crematoria pyres in Delhi to mitigate air pollution

The Minister of Science and Technology, Earth Sciences and Health and Family Welfare, Dr Harsh Vardhan on Friday inaugurated four pyres of the Green Crematoria at Delhi's Nigam Bodh Ghat Crematorium along with three new pyres run by Indraprastha Gas Limited.

Speaking at the event, the Minister said, "Exceedingly high concentration of air emissions with respect to particulate matter, and other harmful gases have been measured in regions around the crematoria. To address the high localized toxic emissions from crematoria, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute(NEERI) has developed technology knowhow to mitigate air pollution from Open Pyre Green Crematoria's".

According to an official release, Dr Harsh Vardhan called for a comprehensive plan for institutionalised 'Green Good Deed' at the venue. He said with such green initiatives, a lot can be achieved in improving the air pollution index in the national capital and scientists from CSIR-NEERI can play a major role in that, and informed that the Central Government has already been working for improving the air quality index in 120 cities across the country.

"Air Pollution has become a grave problem in India with more than 120+ cities falling under the non-attainment category as per the National Green Tribunal". He pointed out, "In the recently announced General Budget 2021, a lot of emphasis has been given to allocate resource to mitigate the growing ambient air pollution related problem in India," he added.

Delhi has about 56 traditional cremation grounds where Hindus cremate bodies by burning massive piles of firewood in the open, billowing out clouds of black smoke into the sky. "The technology installed at VIP Pyre 3,4,5,6 comprises Fume collection and handling, Processing/cleng, Utilities and Waste Handling systems.The system is designed with an efficient scrubbing system offering reduced emission of smoke, oil/greases, hydrocarbons, and particulates with ease of recycle and disposal of scrubbed liquid and solids," the release said.

The Minister pointed out that such technology helps to reposition our existing heritage by adopting clear methods for achieving our national and global commitments towards the environment. "The present emission control system with slight design modifications, can be extended to LPG/CNG and Diesel crematoria to future reduce the emission from these systems," he said.

On the occasion, Dr Harsh Vardhan also appealed for body and organ donation for research purposes and cautioned that people must never let their guard down and must follow appropriate Covid behaviour.

( With inputs from ANI )