Bhubaneswar: Hours after locals moved the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) over the problems faced by them due to rise in the number of cremations at the crematorium in Satyanagar, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday informed that two more crematoriums will soon come up in the city.
BMC Commissioner, Prem Chandra Chaudhary admitted that there has been a rise in the number of cremations at Satyanagar as funerals at Puri Swargadwar are restricted.
“We are aware of the problem and the procedure being followed for cremations are being conducted as per the approved protocols of the Health ministry and state health department. Two more crematoriums will soon come up in the city,” said Chaudhary.
Chaudhary further stated that the two crematoriums will come up at Patia (gas based) and Khandagiri (electrical) and the work has already begun.
“There is no threat of COVID due to cremations at Satyanagar as being expressed by locals. In coming days, things are expected to improve once cremation of dead bodies from other districts is allowed in Puri Swargadwar,” the BMC Commissioner added.
Earlier in the day, the Ladies Forum of Satyanagar had moved OHRC alleging that there has been a rise in the number of cremations (both Covid and non-Covid cases) which has led to air pollution.
Moreover, the electric furnace is also lying defunct which has aggravated the situation.
“There are a lot of senior citizens in the locality and due to air pollution, they are facing problems,” said Anuradha Das, secretary of Satyanagar Ladies Forum.
Responding to the allegations, BMC Commissioner stated that the electric furnace at Satyanagar has been restored.
(Edited By Bikram Keshari Jena)