GOALPARA, Dec 2 - Goalpara town which is expanding rapidly and has a population of over 53,000 needs an electric crematorium urgently. Stating this, the president of the Bhootnath cremation ground, Jiten Das said that at present over 1000 bodies are cremated in the Bhootnath cremation ground annually and wood is used for cremation purposes.
He also said that the traditional method of cremation or burning of bodies on wooden pyres creates many uncertainties and difficulties as the desired temperature is not achieved even if the wood is free from moisture. It is worse during the rainy season. Moreover, pollutants are released into the atmosphere.
He further added that the forest wealth is alos gets depleted at a faster rate which is having a significant effect on the entire eco-system. The use of around 2 quintals (approx) of wood required for cremation of one body has an adverse affect on the environment on the whole and the day is not far off when people will have to run from pillar to post for arranging firewood for funeral pyres. The authorities of the cremation ground are also finding it difficult to meet the demand for firewood.
Das mentioned that an electric crematorium offers a cheaper alternative for cremation and setting up an electric crematorium in Goalpara should be seen in a broader context of socio-economic and environmental parameters.
At present, the cremation ground has constructed three fuel efficient crematorium (FEC) under a scheme funded by CAPART and Rs 2 lakh grant under a Central Government-sponsored scheme for construction of a waiting shed.
There is sufficient land for construction of any modern infrastructure like the electric crematorium in the Bhootnath cremation ground, Jiten Das further added.
Conscious citizens of Goalpara feel that even though Goalpara lacks major infrastructure, the civic bodies have not been able to keep pace with the process of rapid urbanisation taking place within the municipality area due to inefficiency and corruption taking place in the local urban bodies. And, as such, they have demanded a separate Government policy for setting up of an electric crematorium in Goalpara town immediately.
They also urged the Bhootnath crematorium authorities to initiate a hearse van service in Goalpara town so that bodies can be brought conveniently from distant localities to the cremation ground.
