Kapali Hindu Crematorium Lacks Water, Firewood & Clean Toilets; Families Struggle During Last Rites

A Hindu crematorium near Kalyan Naka in Bhiwandi is grappling with a lack of essential amenities such as water, firewood, and clean toilets, causing distress for families during funeral rites. The Kapali Hindu Crematorium, situated in Ward No. 8 under Prabhag Samiti No. 5, has been under scrutiny for its dilapidated state, prompting questions about the Bhiwandi-Nizampur City Municipal Corporation's maintenance efforts.

A public toilet exists within the crematorium premises, but the facility is in a poor state with no consistent water supply to the plastic tank installed above it. Additionally, the door has been damaged, further adding to the inconvenience for mourners. The crematorium is also devoid of a reliable firewood supply, compelling relatives to procure it from outside at an additional cost.

The absence of a proper maintenance system has exacerbated the situation, particularly during the monsoon season when the premises become even more unhygienic and difficult to access.

The lack of security measures, such as a gate at the entrance, has raised concerns about the crematorium's safety. This gate was installed earlier but removed during road-widening work and has yet to be reinstated. The nearby shed constructed for funeral attendees has also been neglected, remaining dirty due to inadequate cleaning and maintenance. Despite the significant investment in constructing the shed, its poor upkeep has left the area unappealing.

The BMC has spent large sums on building the shed, but Assistant Municipal Commissioner Girish Goshtikar emphasized that the Construction Department is responsible for maintaining and repairing the crematorium. The City Engineer, Jameel Patel, assured that the civic administration would address the issues at the earliest to ensure a smooth experience for mourners.

However, residents like Manoj Singh Thakur have pointed out that merely constructing facilities is insufficient; regular operation and maintenance are equally crucial to ensure the proper functioning of the crematorium.