Smoke from crematorium polluting Lalbagh lung space

BENGALURU: People come from different parts of the city to Lalbagh Botanical Garden to enjoy the greenery and get some fresh air, but they are more often than not left disappointed by the polluted environment.

Heavy smoke emitted from the crematorium near Lalbagh Botanical garden.

The heavy smoke emitted from the burning of bodies at the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) electric crematorium spreads everywhere and has made it difficult for people to breathe, eat and go about their work.

The heavy smoke from the crematorium starts around 11 am and goes on till 10 pm. The staff of the crematorium, Lalbagh botanical garden and citizens have complained, but BBMP officials have not bothered to rectify the problem. Locals say all that needs to be done to rectify the problem is to raise the height of the chimney.

Karna, an autorickshaw driver spekas to media about the heavy smoke from the crematorium.

“The smell and smoke from the crematorium have made it difficult to breathe in these surroundings. We have complained about it to the BBMP, but no one has responded. I have to visit a  hospital at least twice a week for breathing issues. I have to work for a living”, said Karna, an autorickshaw driver.

Sunil, a staffer at Lalbagh Botanical Garden

“Due to the burning of the bodies in the crematorium, the bad smell and heavy smoke have caused many people to suffer. For the past two years, I have experienced more health problems. More than Covid, we are scared about this and we must wear masks to avoid the smoke and bad smell”, said Sunil, a staffer at Lalbagh Botanical Garden.