NGT junks plea seeking alternative methods of cremation to reduce air pollution

Many other elements in use in the country cause air pollution. The demand for a ban on Hindus’ religious traditions instead of other polluting elements is malintentioned.

New Delhi – The National Green Tribunal on 17^th July refused to entertain a plea seeking direction to install alternative methods of cremation to reduce air pollution and also to contain the spread of COVID-19.

A Bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel junked the plea which sought conversion of at least one-third of the number of pyres at all cremation grounds in the capital to alternative modes of cremation in a stipulated period.

“We do not find the issue raised to be a substantial question of the environment to be gone into under Section 14 and 15 of the National Green Tribunal, Act, 2010”, the Bench said. It said however that the order will not debar the applicant from raising the issue before appropriate authorities who may consider the matter as per viability.

The tribunal was hearing a plea filed by Delhi resident Pramod Kumar Bhatia and others seeking alternative methods of cremation to reduce air pollution. The plea, filed through advocate Rahul Choudhary, said there are several reports published over the years which show that wood-based cremation contributes significantly towards the air pollution.