Gujarat Launches Eco-Friendly Cremation Initiative

Gandhinagar : In a bid to protect the environment and preserve natural resources, the Gujarat state government has introduced several innovative programs aimed at afforestation and resource conservation. Among these initiatives are “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,” “Namo Vad Van,” and various cultural and social afforestation drives that focus on planting new trees and preserving existing ones.

Recognizing the significant amount of wood required for traditional Hindu cremation ceremonies, the Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) has taken a major step toward reducing wood consumption and curbing deforestation. Through the introduction of a grant scheme, GEDA has supported the installation of wood-based “improved crematorium furnaces” across cremation grounds in the state. According to Climate Change Minister Mulubhai Bera, approximately 8,100 improved furnaces have already been installed in various cities and villages across Gujarat.

This initiative, launched in 2015-16, is active in cremation grounds managed by gram panchayats, taluka panchayats, municipalities, and municipal corporations. By using these improved furnaces, wood consumption for cremations is reduced by 40-50%, significantly lessening the environmental impact. The new furnaces also shorten the cremation process, contributing to greater efficiency and resource conservation.

Minister of State for Climate Change, Mukesh Patel, emphasized that this initiative covers every district in the state, ensuring widespread access to eco-friendly cremation methods. The scheme has been designed to be affordable and accessible to local communities, with beneficiaries required to contribute only ₹1,000 per crematorium furnace, while the state government covers the remaining costs.

Application Process

To benefit from this scheme, local governing bodies or responsible individuals must submit a formal application, including the following details:

The full address of the village or city, including the PIN code

The exact location for furnace installation

Contact information for the village sarpanch or two other responsible individuals

A demand draft of ₹1,000 as a token contribution

A letter of assurance from the gram panchayat, taluka panchayat, municipality, or municipal corporation confirming their responsibility for the furnace’s maintenance and upkeep.