Bhubaneswar: The state capital Bhubaneswar got its first natural gas-based crematorium for cremation of bodies.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha Member Aparajita Sarangi inaugurated the natural gas-based crematorium at Dharma Vihar in Khandagiri today.

The crematorium developed by GAIL India Limited at Dharma Vihar is equipped with two natural gas-run furnaces.

The initiative for cremating bodies with natural gas is likely to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions.

Sources said that a body will be burnt within an hour at the natural gas-run furnace. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been given the charge for the maintenance of the crematorium.

Notably, GAIL has been assigned for the construction of three natural gas-based crematoriums at an expenditure of Rs 16 crore in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

While one crematorium was inaugurated in Khandagiri today, two more crematoriums equipped with natural gas run-furnaces will be inaugurated in upcoming days at Aiginia in Bhubaneswar and Khan Nagar in Cuttack city.