Sambalpur: A single cremation requires four quintals of wood. In this context, discussions are taking place among concerned groups regarding the alternative use of wood for environmental conservation.
Previously, cutting a tree would yield around 40 cubic feet of wood, which was either used for making furniture or for cremation. A fully grown tree could support about 15 cremations.
Failure of Electric and Gas-Based Cremation Systems
Despite the installation of an electric crematorium, it is currently non-functional. A gas-based crematorium was also introduced, but it has yet to become operational, leading to uncertainty regarding when it will be put to use.
According to a forest department official, 200 to 300 quintals of wood are supplied to the Rajghat cremation ground every month, which requires cutting about 10 large trees. Trees such as Chakunda, Kadamba, and Peepal are mainly used for cremation. The wood comes from trees cut down for road expansion projects.
When the electric crematorium was operational, it required only 10 to 20 quintals of wood per month, significantly reducing tree cutting. However, with its failure, reliance on wood has increased again.
SMC’s Struggles with Gas-Based Crematorium
The Odisha Forest Development Corporation (OFDC) has now restricted the sale of cut wood and only supplies it to Rajghat cremation ground. Meanwhile, Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) installed a gas-based crematorium over a year ago and even trained an operator, but it remains non-functional.
According to an SMC official, the issue is the high cost of gas cylinders, making it financially unfeasible to operate the crematorium. SMC is currently exploring ways to reduce costs before putting it into operation.
Previously, the electric crematorium was abandoned due to operational challenges. It took too long to start and stop, and electricity bills exceeded ₹1 lakh per month. Frequent mechanical failures further increased maintenance costs, ultimately leading to its shutdown.
Now, concerns are rising over whether the gas-based crematorium will face a similar fate even before becoming fully operational.