Mumbai Plans To Halve Crematory Emissions With Eco-Tech Initiative
Central to this effort is the introduction of an eco-friendly pyre system, which reduces wood consumption per cremation to 140 kilograms from 300 kg.
Mumbai is preparing to implement advanced eco-friendly technologies in its crematories to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The initiative, led by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's Mechanical & Electrical Department and detailed in the Mumbai Climate Budget Report 2024–25, aims to cut air pollution in the city's burial grounds by 50%.
Central to this effort is the introduction of an eco-friendly pyre system, which reduces wood consumption per cremation to 140 kilograms from 300 kg.
Each cremation using this system reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 0.364 metric tonnes, totaling 4,055 tonnes annually across 11,822 cremations, according to the report.
In addition to reducing wood use, the BMC plans to install retrofit emission control devices at several crematories. These systems, which use electrostatic precipitation technology, capture particulate matter and significantly reduce emissions of harmful gases.
The RECDs are expected to decrease carbon monoxide emissions by 90%, carbon dioxide by 70%, and other gases like sulphur oxides and nitrogen oxides by over 60%. They can also convert captured carbon dioxide into calcium.
By minimising wood consumption and deploying RECDs, Mumbai aims to cut nearly 5,000 tonnes of emissions annually from its cemeteries.
Mumbai's First Climate Budget Report
BMC unveiled its first-ever Climate Budget Report, marking a significant step towards integrating climate considerations into its governance and financial planning.
Additional Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Joshi and Deputy Municipal Commissioner Minesh Pimple presented the 2024–25 budget, which allocated Rs 10,224 crore or 32.18% of the annual budget to environment-centric initiatives. This commitment is in line with the city's pledge under the Paris Agreement.
This move places Mumbai as the fourth city globally, following Oslo, London, and New York, to adopt a climate budget, underscoring its dedication to reducing greenhouse gas emissions as outlined in the Mumbai Climate Action Plan.
The report aims to provide valuable information to policymakers, researchers, and students about the city's climate priorities and aims to attract increased funding from financial institutions.
