New Delhi: In a major citizen-centric move with significant environmental implications, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will offer free cremation services at all electric and CNG-based crematoriums in the national capital. The decision, described by officials as a “mega step”, aims to promote eco-friendly last rites while easing the financial burden on bereaved families.The proposal has received approval at the highest level and formal orders will soon be issued to the cremation grounds, said officials.
Currently, wood-based cremation costs about Rs 700 per quintal of wood, with an average of three to four quintals used, pushing the total cost to about Rs 2,100 to Rs 2,800. CNG cremation costs about Rs 1,500 while electric cremation costs about Rs 500.MCD manages two electric crematoriums and eight CNG-based crematoriums. Despite being more environmentally sustainable and relatively economical, these facilities remain underutilised, as many families continue to follow traditional wood-based cremation practices. The move is a necessary intervention from both environmental and public welfare perspectives, an official said, adding, “This is an important step to encourage people to opt for cleaner cremation methods. Making electric and CNG-based cremation free will significantly increase their utilisation.”Officials said traditional cremation contributes substantially to air pollution due to the burning of large quantities of wood and is also more expensive than CNG and electric options. MCD said removing user charges will help overcome both financial and psychological barriers associated with non-traditional cremation methods. “Once the cost factor is eliminated, people may be more willing to move away from conventional practices and adopt greener alternatives,” another official said.The move also aligns with Delhi’s ongoing push to address air quality concerns, particularly during peak pollution periods. By encouraging cleaner cremation methods, the civic body expects a measurable reduction in emissions generated from traditional pyres.Officials said the rollout will be closely monitored, and further improvements in crematorium infrastructure, along with public awareness campaigns, may follow to ensure wider adoption of eco-friendly cremation practices.Experts welcomed the move. Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy, Centre for Science and Environment, said crematoriums using electricity and natural gas are significantly cleaner than wood-burning methods due to controlled combustion processes, absence of solid biomass fuel, and advanced filtration systems, resulting in fewer harmful air pollutants and lower overall carbon emissions.Sunil Dahiya, founder and lead analyst at think tank EnviroCatalysts, said electric and CNG-based crematoriums are more efficient in reducing air pollution and limiting public exposure to harmful emissions. “Electric crematoriums use heat generated through electricity in closed chambers, achieving better energy efficiency and improved emission controls compared to open combustion in wood- or cow dung-based crematoriums,” he said.Apart from two electric crematoriums and eight CNG-based facilities, MCD manages 50 wood-based cremation grounds. It also oversees seven Muslim graveyards, five burial grounds for children and four Christian cemeteries, most of which are operated by NGOs.Recently, a CNG mortuary at the Dassghat cremation ground was completed while construction of a facility at PK Road in Mangolpuri is on. The electric crematorium at Sarai Kale Khan, where last rites of unclaimed bodies are performed, is also being upgraded. Additional land development has been carried out at the Buland Masjid graveyard and graveyards in Mulla Colony and Sapera Basti. Under CSR initiatives, the installation of two new CNG furnaces is underway at the cremation grounds in Mangolpuri and Rohini Sector 26.
