Bhayandar’s only crematorium has no shelter to protect bereaved kin
Bhayandar : As per the Hindu tradition of cremation, once a pyre is lit, the close kin of the departed soul generally wait beside the burning body for around two hours before leaving the crematorium. However, with the much-needed weather sheds absent from pyres atop the Hindu crematorium in Bhayandar, it’s a traumatic wait under the burning sun for relatives and mourners who are already under stress owing to their loss, and are forced to retreat within minutes after the pyre is lit.
Thanks to the civic administration’s apathy, Bhayandar’s only crematorium in Bhola Nagar is a picture of utter neglect for the past few months. Under the garb of repair and renovation work, a private contractor deployed by the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) had dismantled the weather sheds covering the pyre units and timber depot. However, the work since then has come to a screeching halt. Subsequently, all the three traditional pyre units now stand under the open sky, even as firewood is seen lying scattered everywhere.
Some even expressed apprehension that once the monsoon starts, the place will transform into a virtual hell, making it nearly impossible to carry out cremations under the open sky.
“The work has been delayed due to a major change in the existing renovation plan. However, we will ensure that the basic work, including the installation of tin sheets, would be completed before the onset of the rainy season,” said an MBMC officer.
“The present condition of the crematorium is extremely pathetic. A person’s last journey should be dignified and therefore the place must be repaired soon,” said Anil Nautiyal, a local resident.
Suresh Golani
