Meghalaya HC gives four weeks time for Govt to get necessary approval for construction of four new crematoriums
The Meghalaya High Court on Tuesday directed the state government to obtain necessary approval within four weeks for construction of four new electric hybrid crematoriums.
In its order passed after hearing a PIL on the matter, the bench comprising Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh said, “As far as the new projects are concerned, the State government is directed to obtain necessary approvals within four weeks from date. The approving authorities shall act accordingly. It shall also indicate the progress of the project in the form of a report at the next hearing of this PIL.”
This was after the Additional Advocate General in a report submitted to the court on March 27, enumerates a few grandiose projects proposed to be undertaken by the government: to
construct electric hybrid crematoria at New Shillong Township at a cost of Rs 5.53 crore, at Tura at a cost of Rs 4.69 crore, at Jowai at a cost of Rs 5.16 crore and Nongpoh at a cost of Rs 4.9 crore.
With regard to the present status, the report stated that administrative approval has been obtained but further approvals from other authorities like the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board are awaited. The scheduled time of completion is 24 months from the date of sanction.
From this averment, it is clear that the date from which these crematoria will be operational is very very uncertain.
However, the report also mentioned completed projects i.e. scientific crematorium (eco -friendly) for Seng Khasi at Syllei -Iawkein, Nongstoin, Khlieh Tyrshi village, Jowai and Jhalupara in Shillong.
In the meantime, the bench has also directed the Amicus Curiae to hold meetings with the District Magistrates and representatives of the Khasi-Jaintia and Hindu communities so that they are persuaded to share crematoria on such terms as may be set by the District Magistrates acting in consultation with the Amicus Curiae. It said the Amicus Curiae will file a comprehensive report in this Court before the next hearing date.
The number of crematoria in a substantial area of the State is small compared to the number of dead bodies to be disposed of and often the distance between two crematoria is very large. Furthermore, the Khasi and Jaintia people have expressed their unwillingness to share a crematorium with the Hindus, making the problem more acute, it said.
The next hearing will be held on May 8.
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