COVID Deaths: Demand For Shifting Crematorium Gains Ground In Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: With the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) remaining complacent and COVID mortality in the city continuing unabated, the demand for shifting the crematorium at Satya Nagar has gained momentum.

After the residents of Satya Nagar took up the matter with the BMC last month, the authorities of the civic body had assured of formation of a committee to look into their demand. But the municipal officials are yet to take any tangible step so far, said a member of Satyanagar Development and Cultural Society.

In order to press their demand, a team of the Society’s members submitted a memorandum to Bhubaneswar Central legislator Ananta Narayan Jena stating that hundreds of deceased COVID patients were cremated on the crematorium premises everyday which has put the lives of the people of the locality at grave risk.

The thick fumes and foul stench coming from the funeral pyres of the cremation has made life unbearable for the residents of the area. While senior citizens are unable to go for morning walks, the people are facing problems while crossing the crematorium due to pungent smoke engulfing the locality round the clock, the memorandum said.

Stating that they were living in a suffocating atmosphere as they were unable to keep their windows and doors open, the residents of Satyanagar said the crematorium located in the thickly located area was posing an environmental hazard. They demanded immediate shifting of the crematorium.

After listening to their complaints, the MLA assured them of taking action soon. The state government is aware of the matter and would take necessary steps to mitigate their problems, he said.

It may be noted that the number of deceased due to COVID has gone up to 503 in the city in the second phase till Saturday.

Also Read: Shift Crematorium Cry Puts Lens On COVID Death Figures In Bhubaneswar