Pune Municipal Corporation Suspends Gas Crematoriums Following Central Directive
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) announced on Sunday a temporary suspension of all gas-based crematoriums across its civic areas. This decision comes in direct response to a directive issued by the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on March 5, which mandates the prioritization of propane and butane stocks for domestic LPG cylinders nationwide.
Central Order Triggers Non-Domestic Gas Shortage
According to the PMC press release, the central ministry's order has resulted in a significant shortage of gas availability for non-domestic purposes. This scarcity prompted the civic body to immediately halt operations at its gas-fired furnaces until further notice. The suspension is a precautionary measure to ensure that domestic LPG supplies remain uninterrupted during this period of constrained resources.
Electric and APC-Equipped Crematoriums Remain Fully Functional
To minimize the impact on cremation services, the PMC's electrical department confirmed that all electric crematoriums and those equipped with advanced air pollution control (APC) systems will continue to operate at full capacity. This includes the high-volume Vaikunth crematorium, where three gas-based units have been shut down, but its other furnaces using electricity and wood remain operational.
Background on Pune's Crematorium Infrastructure
Pune's civic administration oversees 24 crematoriums within its jurisdiction, recording approximately 100 to 150 deaths daily. In a move toward environmental sustainability, the PMC had previously planned to launch 14 new gas crematoriums across the city by August 2024. This initiative was aimed at reducing air pollution following complaints from residents about traditional methods.
The planned locations for these eco-friendly gas cremations included:
- Tulsiram Burning Ghat
- Wagholi
- Dhanori
- Koregaon Park
- Sutarwadi
- Baner
- Pashan
- Sus-Mhalunge
- Uttamnagar
- Ramtekdi
- Manjari
- Kondhwa Khurd
- Yewalewadi
- Mohammadwadi
The civic body emphasizes its commitment to using eco-friendly methods for cremations, and this temporary suspension is seen as a necessary adjustment to align with national resource allocation priorities. Residents are assured that alternative cremation facilities remain available to handle the daily needs without significant disruption.
