Legacy in ruins: Will historic Satichaura crematorium in Cuttack finally see makeover?

Once a revered site where Odisha bid farewell to some of its greatest sons, the historic Satichaura crematorium in Cuttack lies in neglect today. Weeds, garbage and dilapidated structures now dominate a space that once carried the legacy of freedom fighters, cultural icons and statesmen.

From freedom fighter Laxman Patnaik of Salt Satyagraha fame to music legend Khoka Bhai, many eminent Odias were cremated here. Yet, despite its cultural and historical importance, Satichaura has been left in dilapidated for years, with repeated assurances failing to translate into lasting improvements.

The only modernisation effort so far, a gas-based crematorium, was set up but never made functional, and the unused equipment has now fallen into disrepair.

“There is no development work at the crematorium. There is no place to rest for the people coming to perform last rites. There is neither toilet facility nor water supply,” alleged Tophan Das, social worker.

Rs 4 Crore Plan For The Crematorium

Now, once again, efforts are being initiated to give Satichaura a facelift. The Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) Commissioner Kirandeep Kaur Sahota and Mayor Subhash Chandra Singh recently visited the site and announced plans worth Rs 4 crore for its redevelopment. 

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According to officials, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) envisions turning Satichaura into a memorial-cum-heritage site, modeled on Puri’s Swargadwar. The plan includes a landscaped park, a gallery with nameplates commemorating those cremated here, and public facilities.

The proposal aims not just at modernising cremation facilities but also at transforming Satichaura into a heritage and tourist attraction, allowing future generations to learn about Odisha’s history.

“Satichaura will not be known only as a crematorium. It will be transformed into a heritage site where people will get to know about the eminent personalities whose last rites were performed here,” Singh said.

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However, locals remain cautious. Over the years, multiple promises have been made, but most have stopped at announcements. Whether the current plan will finally be executed on the ground remains to be seen.