‘Agroli crematorium stalled by administrative hurdles’

CBD BELAPUR: Residents of Agroli village will have to continue to cross the railway tracks near Belapur station to reach the only available crematorium in the area. The construction of a new crematorium at Agroli is yet to begin, despite having all the necessary permission.

Villagers alleged that the construction has been stalled because of administrative hurdles. “We have been taking the bodies of the dead to Belapur crematorium for several years now. The authorities concerned need to look into the issue. They simply do not seem to bother,” said Sanjay Mhatre, a villager.

The village with a population of 5000, has no crematorium. Villagers have to cross the railway tracks to reach the Belapur crematorium. The tunnel near the station reduces the visibility of incoming trains, making it dangerous for these villagers to cross the tracks.

Local corporator Saroj Patil had written several letters to Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) and Cidco administration requesting them to develop a cremation site in the village. NMMC, eventually, awarded a contract to Ajay Construction to develop two electric crematoriums on Parsik hill near Aaykar colony.

However, the construction is still to begin. “The civil work got approval from NMMC but work hasn’t begun,” said another villager Shashi Mhatre. NMMC officials said the issue was being looked into.