CPCB praises Raipur's air quality plans, backs crematorium filter installation

RAIPUR: A Central Pollution Control Board representative visited Raipur on Thursday to assess air quality improvement initiatives under the National Clean Air Programme, funded by the 15th Finance Commission.
Dr Yogendra Kumar Saxena, Scientist at the Regional Office Bhopal, CPCB, provided valuable guidance to officials and commended Raipur Municipal Corporation's plan for the installation of crematorium filters, noting it as a pioneering initiative amongst Indian municipal corporations.
He also praised Birgaon Municipal Corporation's extensive tree plantation and paver block installation under CSR, expressing optimism about Raipur achieving improved air quality standards through collaborative efforts.
During his visit to Raipur, Dr Saxena, who serves as nodal officer for Raipur-Birgaon, Durg, and Bhilai cities under the National Clean Air Programme, conducted a comprehensive review of projects funded by the 15th Finance Commission.
Raipur Municipal Corporation reported planting over 72,000 trees, implementing dust control measures, constructing BT and concrete roads, and expanding their Construction and Demolition (C&D) processing capacity from 15 to 65 tonnes daily, operated by women's self-help groups. The city has established four electric vehicle charging stations, with plans for expansion.
Dr Saxena endorsed the installation of Air Pollution Control (APC) filters in three city crematoriums and recommended promoting cow dung use for cremation through municipal corporation distribution. He advocated increased utilisation of bio-enzymes for water purification and odour control, while directing the Transport Department to enhance vehicle pollution monitoring and leachate management.
An RMC spokesperson said that a tender for the installation of APC in the crematoriums has been floated.