HUBBALLI: The LPG-powered crematorium in Dharwad district, touted as the first-of-its-kind unit in Karnataka, is likely to start operations in a few weeks’ time.
The eco-friendly crematorium is expected to emit less smoke, besides reducing use of wood for the last rites.
The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has procured one machine from Ludhiana in Punjab, which is expected to arrive in the district in a few days.
The civic agency will test its operational feasibility before procuring more such units for the twin cities.
HDMC commissioner Suresh Itnal said that the machine had been purchased for Rs 4.4 lakh, which included transportation fee.
“We are planning to instal the LPG-powered crematorium at the Hosayellapur graveyard in Dharwad city, where we will observe the results closely before deciding on using it in other places.
When one compares the cost involved in operating the electric furnace, and those powered by other gases, using LPG will be more economical.
Three bodies can be cremated with two commercial LPG cylinders,” said Itnal .
The spike in Covid-19 fatalities, coupled with the need for more safety during cremation, compelled the manufacturing company to produce an advanced gas chamber made of stainless steel insulated with glass wool.
The time taken for cremation with an LPG-powered furnace is an hour.
“These gas chambers will be made available on a cost-to-cost basis during the pandemic.
At a time when people are gasping for breath, it’s time we considered ideas that would help save trees,” a source said.
Itnal said that, in addition to thoroughly scrutinising the performance of the chambers, HDMC would also gauge the response from the public to the new units.
“We have plans of inking an agreement with a company that distributes piped gas in the twin cities.
We will train staff at the graveyards to use the new gas chambers,” the HDMC commissioner said.
Doctor and activist MC Sindhur welcomed the move.
“The installation of LPG gas chambers will certainly be more eco-friendly and economical, compared to the other systems in place.
Officials must, however, study the technicalities in detail,” he said.