No halt in Mumbai gas cremations despite LPG crunch, runs on PNG

Chakala gas crematorium (left) Santacruz ECO Moksha gas crematorium. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

While shortage of commercial LPG has halted gas crematoriums in Pune, multiple crematoriums in Mumbai report no such halts as of Monday, as gas cremation in Mumbai mostly functions on PNG (piped natural gas) instead of LPG (liquid petroleum gas).

PNG supply has seen no recent shortages due to the West Asia unrest yet, but active speculations about probable curtailments from the public remains valid, as India relies on imports for meeting a significant percentage of natural gas. mid-day visited Santacruz ECO Moksh and Chakala crematoriums to enquire about the status of their gas cremation services.

Both crematoriums are co-operated by the BMC and trusts, offering wood and gas cremations free of cost. Their PNG gas supplier is Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL).

Official Speak

MGL has stated that it receives 100 per cent of gas required to meet domestic household supplies from domestically. In view of the prevailing geopolitical developments affecting global energy markets, there have been speculations regarding possible curtailment of gas supplies by MGL to its customers. Currently, no reduction in gas availability is being faced. MGL continues to maintain usual CNG and PNG supplies across its operational areas.

Voice

Shambhugiri Goswami, general secretary, Chakala cremation ground
‘Services here are fully operational and there has been no shortage in the gas supply. If we were to experience such a situation, we are ready with our electric cremation machines as an alternative to gas cremation besides the traditional wood. Currently we prefer gas machines over electric ones because they are more sustainable and energy efficient for our usual workload.'

Ways of cremation

Traditional/wood
>> Requires 300 kg of wood
>> Preferred by families
>> Complete process takes >> 5+ hour

Gas
>> Energy efficient
>> Costs '2000 per cremation
>> Complete process in 3 hour

Electric
>> Most energy efficient
>> Heat retention properties
>> Requires most pre heating time