Pune: The Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) has finally installed a chimney at Muktidham crematorium near Dhobi Ghat, the only one in the area, as it was causing air pollution for many years. Toxic gases like carbon dioxide were directly released earlier, adding to the air pollution. 

Besides the installation of a chimney, the crematorium, which is about one acre in size, has also been renovated. Sukhdev Patil, Executive Engineer of PCB, said, “The renovation work started a year ago and only 10 per cent remains. It is likely to be completed within a month. The renovation work included civil work like change of entry gates, plantation of trees, building of pathways, murals on walls and sitting arrangements, besides a storeroom for wood pyres.”

As per Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) norms, there should be a 30-metre high chimney installed at the crematorium. Vijay Chavan, Assistant Executive Engineer of PCB, said, “In the newly constructed chimney, there are five new wood pyre beds and five new stainless steel hoods. The smoke from the wood pyres will go into the hood. The hood is then connected to a 300-mm duct which will be channelised into a scrubber. The smoke will be mixed with highly pressurised water, which will separate heavy particles. These heavy fumes will settle at the bottom and the light fumes, which are not toxic, will be released into the air through the chimney. The cost of the project was Rs 1 crore.”