Kishan Chand crematorium gets region's first LPG cremation unit

The Kishan Chand cremation ground, run by the Manav Sewa Trust, will be the first in Punjab to use an LPG machine to cremate bodies.

The work of installation of the plant, costing Rs 75 lakh, would be completed by the end of this month.

In the north, the trust claimed Punjab would be the first to have such a unit at one of the crematoriums in the state.

"The plant is eco-friendly and will not cause any pollution of environment because it uses LPG for burning bodies. One LPG gas cylinder would be sufficient for a single cremation which will be quite economical," said Tarsem Kapoor , managing trustee of the trust.

Cremation though this machine is not only cost-effective but also time-saving, as it takes a maximum of one hour to complete the cremation, he said.

The ashes of the deceased can also be collected immediately after cremation and allows all Hindu rituals to be performed during cremation.

"The ashes would be handed over to the family within an hour. Usually, people have to spend Rs 3,500 to Rs 4,000 on a cremation on woods and other charges. A cremation will cost Rs 1,500 through this machine. Concession is also being offered for the poor," said the trustee.

A financial assistance of Rs 20 lakh has been given by the state government. Other expenses and charges are being managed by the trust.

On apprehensions if the people would opt for cremation on this machine, the trust management reveled that they are already getting queries from the people who are showing interest in the machine.

"The mindset of the people is changing. We are hopeful to make this system a success at a time when the entire world is facing shortage of wood," an official of the corporation said.