Environment Paying As Green Tech Lies Kaput

Each traditional cremation consumes around 400 kg of wood, contributing to massive deforestation and air pollution

- Anupam Srivastava

LUCKNOW: Two mechanised green cremation systems at Lucknow's Bhainsakund cremation ground (Baikunth Dham) are lying defunct for over two years. Installed in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic, the systems were designed to reduce wood dependence and promote eco-friendly cremations.

However, poor maintenance has rendered them inoperative, pushing people back to traditional wood-based methods that are both expensive and environmentally damaging.

Each traditional cremation consumes around 400 kg of wood, contributing to massive deforestation and air pollution.

According to Munna Kumar, caretaker of the Bhaisakund cremation ground, around 400 to 450 quintals of wood are used daily at the facility.