This cremation technique is not only eco-friendly, it also saves upto Rs 4,000

The mechanism is simple. It uses coconut shells for burning, instead of firewood. The 10-feet long iron rod takes 4 hours to burn the body and 4-hours more to cool down. The shells are placed along with camphor and the body is laid on top for burning.

The iron-box cremation is growing in popularity in Karnataka for more than one reasons. It is not only eco-friendly, but also saves a lot of money. While this practice is fast gaining popularity in Dakshina Kannada, it is fast catching up in the other parts of the state too. This was conceptualised to address the burning need of firewood for cremation, which is ecologically disruptive. Thus, the new method, described as the ‘mobile iron-box cremating system’, has struck the right chord in these circumstances.

This would solve the firewood problem in both the urban and the rural areas. While there is abundance of wood in the rural areas, getting firewood during the monsoon is very difficult. In the urban areas, firewood is not only costlier, but is also considered an environmental hazard. Hence, the people in Vittal and Bantwal are opting for this cremation system. For instance, in Punacha village of Dakshina Kannada district, the system was introduced by Deviprasad Kallaje, president of Punacha Primary Agricultural Co-operative Society.

The mechanism

The box is about 10-feet long and has two iron channels that are parallel to each other. Close to 8 iron rods are placed in a perpendicular position. About five gunny bags of coconut shells, weighing about 9-10 kgs, are required for the burning of the body. Incidentally, this raw material is easily available in villages. Shells are placed along with camphor and the body is laid on top. It takes about 4 hours to burn the body and another four hours for the box to cool down. 

The technique is also getting popular in Kerala since there is a dearth of raw materials there. It has also been adopted in Punacha village of Bantwal taluk in Dakshina Kannada district and has been introduced by Deviprasad Kallaje, who is also the president of Punacha Primary Agricultural Co-operative Society. Incidentally, the cost of making the box is Rs 43,000, but is likely to last for 10-15 years. 

Kallaje said, "We have introduced ‘mobile iron cremation box’ two months ago. Cremation during rainy season is a big challenge and this system saves firewood as well.” Explaining the concept, Deviprasad said, “There are three lids for smoke to go out and we charge a nominal fee of Rs 500 for maintenance. We do not charge anything from the poor. We are maintaining a record of those who have used the box."

Speaking to the Bengaluru Mirror, Dr Venugopal Kaleyathodi from Yethadka in Kasargod in Kerala said, "We have to dig one feet deep and place coconut shells with proper gaps in between. Shells could either be filled with camphor of gingely oil. Coconut shells are placed first and then the body, which will then be covered. The cover has openings. Shells will be lit first and when the fire begins to spread, the thick cover is closed At Yethadka, the Havyak community has purchased one box, but will lend it to anyone from any community for Rs 1,000. 

Interestingly, the total price of cremation would be around Rs 3,500- 4,000. Whereas, the traditional-type funeral pyre would cost anywhere between Rs 7,000 and Rs 8,000. Meanwhile, Dr Venugopal Kaleyathodi from Yethadka in Kasargod in Kerala said, "We have to dig one feet deep and place coconut shells with proper gaps in between. Shells could either be filled with camphor of gingely oil. Coconut shells are placed first and then the body, which will then be covered. The cover has openings. Shells will be lit first and when the fire begins to spread, the thick cover is closed At Yethadka, the Havyak community has purchased one box, but will lend it to anyone from any community for Rs 1,000."