UP says no to relocation of crematorium near Taj

NEW DELHI: The Uttar Pradesh government has declined to relocate an ancient crematorium, adjacent to the Taj Mahal in Agra, saying its shifting would hurt “Hindu sentiments” as it would appear that the decision was taken to protect an Islamic monument.

State additional advocate general Vijay Bahadur Singh on Monday told a bench headed by Justice TS Thakur that any step to shift the crematorium may create a serious law and order problem.

Singh did not favour sitting SC judge Justice Kurien Joseph’s suggestion to explore the possibility of relocating the cremation ground — situated within 500 metres of the Taj — because the fly ash from the burnt bodies was damaging it.

Justice Joseph had written a letter to then Chief Justice HL Dattu after visiting the monument.

The bench took note of Singh’s apprehensions and directed the state administration to encourage the use of the electric crematorium located within the same complex.

It ordered the government not to charge ₹400 as the cremation fees to promote a more eco-friendly concept of performing last rites. The order shall be implemented from January 1, 2016.

“We are also of the view that with regard to shifting of the cremation ground, as an option, may be deferred,” the bench ordered.

The SC is hearing a PIL filed by environmental activist and advocate MC Mehta in connection with the maintenance and upkeep of the Taj Mahal.

Justice Thakur’s bench also directed the UP government to take immediate steps for aesthetically developing the main crematorium and the electric crematorium by having sufficient greenery, water facilities, prayer rooms for those coming to cremate the body.