Go-Kashth: A Pioneering Approach for Alternate Fuel in Crematoriums

Abstract

Cremation is an irretrievable part of Indian culture especially Hinduism contributing to increasingly vexatious issue of environment pollution and cutting of millions of trees every year. However, there are hardly a few studies seeking to converse about and initiate solutions in this subject to provide a better approach to lives of people. The aim of this study was to develop an innovative approach for preparing cow dung logs named as Go-Kashth and use as an alternate fuel in crematoriums in place of fire wood. For the study a new model of service called ‘The Go-Kashth Bhopal model’ was developed accompanied with collection of essential information from crematorium organizers and cow-shed managers through composed questionnaires. The comparative study of parameters of combustion and emission characteristics for Go-Kashth & fire wood has reinforced its use as energy resource in cremation. The emission concentration of air pollutants-PM, SO2 and NOX were reduced by 30.5%, 44.8% and 13% respectively for Go-Kashth than that observed for fire wood. Thus, through stipulation, speculation and demand, mutually with analytical studies an alternate solution for crematoriums is presented conjuring with identification of possible improvements thereon. Also, the study opens scope for further studies for its application as an alternate fuel for industrial boilers and designing of Air Pollution Control Device for Crematoriums.