Early in 2016, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had directed the Ministry of Environment and Forests the Central and State Governments to initiate a programmes to provide alternative modes of cremation, saying the traditional method of wooden pyres emitted hazardous pollutants into the environment.
Three years ago, the Odisha State Pollution Control Board had revealed that the smog generated from burning of bodies at the Satyanagar Crematorium emits particulate matter (PM-10) much above the permitted level of 100 micrograms. The raw smog released from the pyres rises PM-10 up to 200 microgram. As the place is within a thickly residential area, this is very harmful for the inhabitants.
Even though the civic body had introduced an electric crematorium in 1986, the facility has been more out of use than functioning. Repeated breakdowns due to non-maintenance have been the norm.
