Chandigarh, March 1, 2025
The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) hastaken a major step toward environmental conservation by supporting thestate-wide expansion of Green Crematoriums. The initiative, presented byretired IAS officer, Sh. Sunil K. Gulati, aims to replace traditional wood-basedcremation with eco-friendly alternatives using cow dung sticks (Gaukashth).
The concept of Green Crematoriums has already been successfully implemented invarious villages of Sirsa district with the efforts of environmentalist Dr. RamJi Jaimal from Village Darbi, Sirsa. Studies conducted by the Forest ResearchInstitute (FRI), Dehradun, have confirmed the efficiency of this method,stating that it requires only 60 kg of cow dung sticks compared to 500-600 kgof wood used in conventional cremation. Additionally, this approach is cost-effective,smoke-free, and viable even in adverse weather conditions.
Sh. Sunil K. Gulati emphasized the need for financial and managerial support from theHaryana Government, as the existing Green Crematoriums are currently maintainedby villagers. To address this concern, HHRC has recommended that the stategovernment allocate funds from the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Managementand Planning Authority (CAMPA). The Commission noted that significantunutilized funds exist within CAMPA and should be directed toward theimplementation of Green Crematoriums across Haryana. During the proceedings, HHRC, chaired by Justice Lalit Batra along with membersKuldeep Jain and Deep Bhatia, acknowledged the significant environmentalbenefits of Green Crematoriums.
*Utilization of State Funds*
State Funds: These refer to the monies deposited by user agencies (suchas forest departments and state governments) into the State CompensatoryAfforestation Fund.
Forest Produce Saving Devices: The rule allows the use of state funds topromote devices that reduce dependence on forest resources, such asfuel-efficient stoves and solar-powered systems.
Forest Fringe Villages: The funds can be used specifically for villageslocated on the periphery of forests, where residents are highly dependent onforest resources.
*Objectives*
Reducing Dependence on Forest Resources: The primary aim is to lower thereliance of local communities on forest wood, promoting conservation.
Improving Livelihoods: Providing alternative energy sources enhances theeconomic conditions of forest-dependent communities.
Environmental Conservation: The initiative helps preserve forest coverand encourages sustainable resource use.
*Implementation*
National Authority: The authority established under the CompensatoryAfforestation Fund Act, 2016, oversees the execution of the rule.
State Governments: In consultation with the National Authority, stategovernments identify suitable villages and implement forest-saving devices.
Monitoring and Evaluation: The implementation is regularly assessed tomeasure its effectiveness in reducing forest resource dependency and enhancinglivelihoods. During the hearing, the fullcommission—comprising Chairman Justice Lalit Batra and members Shri KuldeepJain and Shri Deep Bhatia—recorded in its order the legal aspects of utilizingCAMPA funds for this initiative. As per Rule 5(2)(l) of the CompensatoryAfforestation Fund (CAF) Rules, 2018, state funds can be used for forestconservation and for promoting devices that reduce dependence on forestresources. The proposal to use these funds for Green Crematoriums was supportedby Haryana’s Additional Chief Secretary for Environment, Forest, and Wildlife,Anand Mohan Sharan, IAS, who raised no objections to its implementation.
The initiative aims to benefit not only human cremation but also extend itsreach to animal cremation, providing an eco-friendly alternative for pets andbovines. Additionally, no new land acquisition is required, as GreenCrematoriums can be established on existing cremation grounds. The Developmentand Panchayat Department has already prepared a project estimate, which hasbeen submitted to the authorities for further review. The HHRC has instructedvarious government bodies, including the Urban Local Bodies, Pollution ControlBoard, and Gau Sewa Aayog, to work in coordination to implement the projecteffectively. The government is also expected to launch an awareness campaign toeducate communities on the benefits of Green Crematoriums and encourage theiradoption.Protocol,Information & Public Relations Officer of the Haryana Human RightsCommission, stated that given the seriousness of this matter the next hearingon this matter is scheduled for May 21, 2025, where progress reports will besubmitted by concerned departments. If implemented successfully, Haryana’sGreen Crematorium initiative could serve as a model for other Indian states,leading to nationwide adoption of sustainable cremation practices.