When we think of death, one of our concerns is whether we leave our future generation well cared for. While we try to secure material resources, do we give a thought to their health as well as the environment they have to live in? The world is becoming increasingly polluted and climate change threatens our very survival. As we look towards building a brighter future for next generations, we must thoughtfully re-examine some of our old practices and fully understand their impacts on our society and planet. One practice ripe for change is the most common method of cremation – wood cremation.

The Pune Air Action Hub organised the Breathless Pune Photo Exhibition from 18th-22nd January 2024 at the Darpan Art Gallery, Kalachhaya Cultural Centre Pune. A carefully curated collection of photos was put up to show the different aspects of air pollution visually, with minimal text for reference. Photographs were taken by city based photographer Gayatri Juvekar, and some photos by citizens and school children were also displayed in the exhibition. The idea was to generate interest, conversation and awareness among different stakeholders about air pollution in Pune. 

MP Vandana Chavan intervenes and writes to Pune Municipal Commissioner to look into providing proper amenities across all crematoria across the city

The Pune Air Action Hub, which includes several civil society organisations and individuals who care about the air quality in the city surveyed 40 crematoria out of the 80 within the PMC limits Pune city. The hub members surveyed the crematoria on several criteria, including how many were using wood, gas or electricity. They looked at the surroundings of the crematoria, whether there was greenery and in general good maintenance, availability of water and clean toilet facilities for men and women,  space and availability of priests to carry out last rites, how the death passes were obtained, whether there were any phone numbers for the citizens to get any information, etc. 

Air pollution causes irreversible damage to our bodies, and the Lungs Billboard is a very effective tool to drive the issue home among lay citizens as well as decision makers. The installation depicts human lungs retrofitted with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters and two fans that mimic breathing and has been conceptualized to demonstrate the impact of air pollution. 

At the beginning of the installation the color of the lungs is white (symbolizing healthy lungs) which then over a few days starts to change color to gray and then eventually black.