Few takers for two LPG crematoriums
AMRITSAR: Installed six years ago with a motive to reduce pollution emanating from pyres, two LPG crematoriums — one at Shivpuri cremation ground in Durgiana Temple complex and another at Samshan Sewa Samitti cremation ground in Chatiwind — still lacks takers here.
Superstitions and ignorance of municipal corporation to use the facility has contributed to the crematoriums being unpopular among the residents .The crematoriums became operational in 2012 and ₹27 lakh was spent on each.
As per the data gathered from the crematoriums, so far, only 180 cremations have taken place at these LPG crematoriums. Most of the cremations were done for unclaimed bodies and by NRIs.
Dr Ranbir Singh Pannu, who has been associated with installing these crematoriums, said, “The project was started under the initiative by a pollution control committee (PCC) and Missionaries Khudai Kidmatgaran (MKK) Amritsar. The then deputy commissioner (DC) KS Pannu had played a crucial role for installing the equipment. Rajya Sabha MP Manohar Singh Gill also contributed ₹28 lakh from his MPLAD fund for the project.”
He said, “Due to the lackadaisical attitude of the municipal corporation, the project is leaning towards failure.”
“Also, the employees of the two cremation grounds create obstacles. From purchasing the wood, ghee and other materials required for rituals, everything is commission-based,” he added further.
MKK president, PS Bhatty said, “Though we offer free of cost cremations in both the crematoriums but few superstitions prevalent among the public is hindering the process. ”
“Over 80 bodies are cremated at the two cremation grounds in city every day. LPG crematorium is better and economical compared to the conventional method,” he said.
Deputy commissioner (DC) Kamaldeep Singh Sangha said, “People prefer the traditional way for cremation that is why the LPG crematoriums are not being used properly.”
“The gas based cremation is eco-friendly. To make people aware of the system, we will involve religious bodies, NGOs and social workers,” Sangha said.