Rituals are a sequence of activities one performs during a particular event be it weddings, birth or death. But some rituals that we have been following may harm the environment. Rituals of death are one of them. There are about 56 conventional cremation grounds in Delhi and in comparison, there are only four electricity-operated crematoriums and just one CNG-operated facility.
Mokshda green cremation system is a part of the Environment and Forestry Ministry’s national river conservation plan. It is an energy efficient and environment-friendly system that also abides by traditions. This system reduces the fuel-wood consumption to 100kgs and ensures smoke-free emissions. Water pollution generated from this system is also minimal. This alternative works as a deterrent against rendering rivers as the repository of half-burnt or un-burnt bodies.
It is the responsibility of civic bodies, religious leaders, environmental activists and our generation as a whole to steer the faith in a direction so as to change the mindset of people practising their faith and make them adopt the practices which are environment-friendly.
I am Suditi, a law student and I made this documentary to make people realize that it is high time to change our mindset and adopt such ways to save the environment. Nobody is bothered about environment protection when it comes to our own practices. As time marches forward, traditions must as well. Though changing our customs or rituals may seem disrespectful to those who came before us, it’s far more important to keep the planet pristine for those who will come after. Here’s to a future full of sustainable traditions.
