Dehradun-based Rural litigation and Entitlement Kendra (RlEK) has decided to construct five electric crematoria in various parts of the State, including the Kedar valley, Yamuna valley, Uttarkashi, Tehri and Rishikesh.
This is aimed at conservation of the Ganga and environment in the Garhwal Himalayas.
According to RlEK, the Ministry of Finance has notified via Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part -II, Section 3, Sub Section (ii) dated May 26 that any individual, company, industry, organisation, philanthropist or establishment that shakes hand with RlEK in this endeavour shall get 100 per cent income tax rebate under 35AC of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Additionally, considering the lack of wood and non availability of cooking gas, RlEK will also start 10 community kitchens with facilities like cooking gas, utensils and community halls specifically in villages where RlEK runs its schools for children of marginalised communities.
RlEK chairman Avadhash Kaushal said, "This endeavor will not only save Ganga but also the environment of entire Garhwal mountains. It shall also serve as an equalizer as women from so called high and low castes shall share the same cooking area and utensils for preparing food for their families and social harmony shall be promoted. The names of all individuals, companies, industries, organisations, philanthropists or establishments that join hands with RlEK in these ventures shall be engraved on stones in those buildings." According to the organization, half burnt bodies thrown in the river due to lack of firewood, release of unchecked sewage from Ashrams and commercial hotels in the river among other factors are mainly responsible for polluting the Ganga.