Nepal erects its first electric crematorium to rein-in pollution

Nepal has started operating its first electric crematorium, with machines imported from India, on the premises of the famed Pashupatinath temple to curb pollution emanating from the age-old Hindu practice of using firewood.

The crematorium, that has two electric machines installed at a cost of Rs 110 million, was inaugurated here by Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Ananda Prasad Pokharel on Sunday as part of hi-tech project of the government, officials said.

It is constructed in the Pashupati Aryaghat area, home to the world-famous Pashupatinath temple.

Though the idea of installing electric crematorium was conceived in 1982, it took nearly 34 years to implement the project, The Himalayan Times reported.

According to the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) - which launched the crematorium, it takes 3-4 hours to cremate a body on a traditional funeral pyre but the electric cremation machine can reduce the body to ashes within 45 minutes.

It is eco-friendly and prevents environment from being polluted, it said. Pokharel said the building would help make the Pashupatinath area pollution-free and expressed belief that it would be affordable and eco-friendly.

Kin of the deceased may also opt for traditional wooden crematorium though it costs around Rs 10,000 as compared to Rs 3,000 in the electric crematorium, the PADT officials said. The electric cremation machines were brought from a firm in Kolkata and the PADT is also preparing to install a third machine.