“The building is ready and we have already installed two cremation machines, a generator along with a transformer,” said Shyam Shekhar Jha, PADT senior director. “Once the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) supplies the high voltage transmission line and the testing is done, the crematorium will be operational,” Jha said.

The crematorium building will also provide a cooling store that can adjust at least 20 bodies and separate rooms with hot shower for the mourners.

The cremation machine was brought from Indomen Engineering Service in Kolkata, India, which cost Rs 26 million. Jha said two people can carry out all funeral tasks and the company will provide training on using the machine and safety measures. “However, the number of employees for the job is yet to be determined,” he said.

The PADT has also reached an agreement with the NEA for power supply as the crematorium requires electricity round the clock once it comes into operation.

Earlier, the plan was opposed by some people arguing that it is against traditional funeral rites. “The introduction of the new machine will be a problem for old generation. However, people can also perform last rites in traditional way,” said Govinda Tandon, PADT member-secretary, adding, “I am sure everyone will be convinced gradually as they can perform all the rituals at the crematorium and see flames coming out of the electric pyre.” This plan, however, is not new. PADT officials had also tried to implement it two decade ago.

This project is expected to reduce pollution as the machine is eco-friendly. Environmental experts said the electronic crematorium will help control deforestation and clean the Bagmati river.

Currently, around 30 bodies are cremated at Aryaghat and at least 300 kilograms of wood is required to burn a body. PADT officials said the electric crematorium can burn a body in just 45 minutes, while it takes around three hours to do the same using firewood.