33 APCs fail to end cremation pollution

PYRE POLLUTION | Complaints of health issues persist

- Indu Bhagat

While the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has been actively promoting eco-friendly methods like electric or gas-based cremations, most city residents continue to prefer traditional wood pyres. Meanwhile, residents living near these crematoriums have been raising concerns about worsening air quality, complaining that smoke from wood-based cremations is affecting their health and environment.

To address the air quality concerns in Pune, PMC has installed the air pollution control (APC) system at the 33 sheds in crematoriums across the city. Additionally, it has installed an incinerator at Naidu Kothi for the cremation of pets and strays.