Cow dung vs wood: Delhi MCD’s cremation proposal triggers pollution concerns

According to scientific studies, burning cow dung cakes releases higher levels of harmful pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and black carbon compared to wood.

A proposal by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to replace traditional wooden pyres with cow dung cakes at crematoriums has triggered fresh controversy, with experts warning that the move could worsen the capital’s already toxic air.

According to scientific studies, burning cow dung cakes releases higher levels of harmful pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and black carbon compared to wood.

A study published in the journal ‘Particle and Fibre Toxicology’ notes that indoor environments where biomass is burned can record PM10 levels between 200 and 5,000 g/m, several times higher than the safe outdoor limit of 150 g/m.

The issue was discussed on Thursday during a meeting of the MCD’s Public Health Department, where members reviewed pollution concerns and explored the possibility of phasing out wooden pyres. Officials argued that wood burning also contributes significantly to the city’s poor air quality.

However, environmentalist Vimalendu Jha criticised the proposal, saying “replacing one polluting fuel with another” cannot be considered a pollution-control strategy. He stressed that electric crematoriums remain the cleanest and most sustainable option, and urged Delhi to adopt scientific and modern methods.

With Delhi’s air quality already in the severe category, the crematorium fuel choice is likely to remain a point of intense public debate.

MCD Standing Committee Chairman Satya Sharma said that one cremation ground in Delhi already uses cow dung for cremations, and the corporation hopes to implement a 50-50 model, half cow dung, half wood, across all crematoriums.

“We have also sought reviews from experts and institutions to determine which option causes more pollution and which one causes less. If wood causes more pollution, we will increase the use of dung cakes; if dung leads to higher emissions, we will continue with wood,” he added.

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