Meghalaya, with its unique tribal culture and heritage, deeply adheres to traditional funeral rites involving open-air wooden pyres. However, conventional open-air cremations consume immense quantities of timber—often requiring an entire mature tree per funeral—which leads to deforestation, carbon emissions and localized environmental challenges. To bridge the gap between ecological preservation and cultural continuity, the Social Forestry Wing actively promotes, designs, and funds the construction of eco-friendly, closed-wood crematoriums (Ka Khnap Thangbru) tailored to local indigenous practices.

Inspired by grassroots innovations pioneered by the late Kambel Shullai, these facilities use fire-resistant brick chambers, removable iron covers, and chimney systems to improve heat retention, regulate airflow, and reduce smoke emissions. Their enclosed design also enables more reliable operation during the monsoon.

This initiative represents an indigenous, culturally sensitive approach to forest conservation, efficient use of timber, and reduction of environmental impacts while respecting traditional funeral practices.