Cremation, Firewood and Electric Crematoriums

How traditional wood-fired cremation uses large amounts of firewood and adds to pollution, and how electric and gas crematoriums offer cheaper, cleaner alternatives.

Cremation is common in India, often using firewood.

Wood use

A traditional cremation can use around 300 to 500 kg of wood.
With millions of cremations a year, this adds up to large amounts of wood.

Pollution

Open-air pyres release smoke and particulates, adding to local air pollution, especially along rivers like the Ganga.

Alternatives

Electric crematoriums.
Gas (LPG/CNG) crematoriums.
Improved wood-fired designs that use much less wood, like the Mokshda green cremation system.

Costs

Electric and gas options can be cheaper for families, though some prefer traditional rites.

Municipal services

Cities run crematoriums as public services, sometimes with free or subsidised rates.

COVID-19

During the 2021 second wave, crematoriums were overwhelmed, with shortages of wood and space.

The green pyre

A crematorium installs an improved pyre that uses much less wood than an open pyre, cutting costs and smoke.

Thinking cremation has no environmental cost

Wood pyres use large amounts of wood and cause pollution.

Key takeaways

Traditional cremation uses 300 to 500 kg of wood.
Open pyres add to air pollution.
Electric, gas and improved pyres are alternatives.
Crematoriums were overwhelmed in 2021.