West Asia tensions takes the gas out of Pune’s pyres

Gas-based services across civic crematoriums have been suspended. Representation pic/istock

A temporary gas shortage linked to the West Asia conflict has forced the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to suspend gas-based cremation services across civic crematoriums, shifting the city's funeral infrastructure to electric cremation systems until further notice.

The move follows a March 5 advisory from the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, directing authorities to prioritise propane and butane for domestic LPG supply, amid global energy disruptions triggered by the US-Israel war on Iran.

What has changed

Gas-based cremation
Temporarily suspended

Electric cremation
Activated across multiple facilities

Domestic PNG supply
No disruption

Why the suspension?

Key reasons
>> Central government advisory on gas prioritisation
>> Temporary shortage of PNG supply
>> Propane and butane reserved for household LPG needs

Alternative cremation facilities

Electric cremation furnaces with Air Pollution Control (APC) systems now operating at
>> Vaikunth Crematorium, RTO Chowk
>> Kharadi Crematorium
>> Kailas Crematorium, Mundhwa
>> Kondhwa Crematorium, Gurunagar
>> Wadgaon Crematorium, Aundh-Baner Link Road
>> Ganganagar Crematorium, Hadapsar

Civic appeal

PMC has urged citizens to use nearby electric crematoriums and cooperate with authorities until normal gas supply resumes. The information was issued by Manisha Bhokrekar, chief engineer, electrical, PMC.

City's busiest crematorium affected

Vaikunth Dham crematorium

Detail Data
Location Navi Peth
Area 17 acres
Daily
cremations 20 bodies
Status Gas-based system closed