The damaged PNG furnace

Locals’ complaints

Poll

Who will win the Punjab Elections?

BJP 32.86%

AAP 41.43%

INC 25.71%

Submit

View All In Poll

Recently, Parimal Sabnis, a resident living near Chaityabhoomi raised a complaint on X, noting, “Shivaji Park residents are facing severe air pollution from malfunctioning crematoriums. The constant smoke is causing health issues and may harm the upcoming Babasaheb Ambedkar statue.”

Speaking to mid-day, he said, “Whenever bodies are cremated, smoke fills up the area and it becomes very difficult for us to breathe. There might be some malfunction of the chimney, we have also written a complaint to the BMC.”

In the letter to the BMC on August 1, Sabnis said, “The malfunctioning exhaust systems of the traditional crematorium and constant smoke emissions from the electric crematorium have deteriorated air quality, leading to respiratory issues and discomfort due to smoke, ash particles and odour. This concern is heightened by the upcoming installation of the giant statue of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar in his international smarak near our building. We fear crematorium pollutants could risk the statue’s material and integrity over time.”

Vaibhav Rege, another resident of Shivaji Park, said, “Smoke emanating from the crematorium is an issue for people living nearby, but I’m not sure to what extent it is a problem during the monsoons. Malfunctions are certainly a problem. We had to use the crematorium about a year ago, and even then, one of the furnaces 
was dysfunctional.”

Chunwad Rawat, a security guard of a building opposite the crematorium, said, “The smoke and the stench of burning bodies impact us when the wind is blowing in our direction. It becomes difficult to even eat when that happens.” An employee at one of the offices in the building said, “I have been working in the area for the last few months, we are used to the smell and the smoke now. It is only strong when the wind speed is fast.”

OfficialSpeak

Balasaheb Kawale, medical officer of health in charge of crematoria, said, “There are fire bricks in the furnace to maintain the temperature which break frequently and require replacement. The pollution control system has become old and needs to be replaced. We have made a representation to higher-ups and are awaiting a response. We are also deliberating on using another technology but its effectiveness is still under assessment.”