Devghat Crematorium Faces Operational Issues Due to Technical Problems

Chitwan. The crematorium constructed at the holy pilgrimage site Devghat has not been brought into regular operation due to technical problems during testing. The crematorium, completed by the Intensive Urban and Building Construction Project Chitwan on October 11, was handed over to Bharatpur Metropolitan City on October 11. The crematorium, completed by the Intensive Urban and Building Construction Project Chitwan on October 11, was handed over to Bharatpur Metropolitan City on October 11.

According to Balakrishna Thapaliya, Chief of the Disaster Branch of the Metropolitan City, problems arose during testing as bodies were not cremated smoothly. "Some bodies were cremated in an hour, while some were not even cremated in eight to nine hours. When the bodies were not cremated even after keeping them in the crematorium for a long time, the mourners who came here expressed their anger and vandalized it. Following this, the crematorium, which was closed for maintenance, has not been operational," he said.

The Metropolitan City had trained 16 'sweepers' on cremation. Thapaliya said that even though they were trained, it was not effective. He mentioned that there is a problem in regular operation because technical manpower is required to operate the cremation equipment, and it is difficult to find such manpower.

The construction company that installed the crematorium has informed the Metropolitan City that the repair work has been completed, said Disaster Branch Chief Thapaliya, adding that discussions are underway on how to operate it now. According to him, the Metropolitan City is in favor of making a decision only after extensive discussions, considering problems such as lack of manpower, high cost of heating the equipment with manpower round the clock, and increased complaints due to smoke going into local settlements.

Acting Mayor of the Metropolitan City, Chitra Sen Adhikari, said that the responsibility of cremation is being given by inviting tenders. He mentioned that after the tender issued by the Metropolitan City, a private farm has submitted a proposal, and since it will be easier if an organization takes responsibility, such an organization is being sought accordingly.

The electric crematorium was brought into operation seven years after its construction began. The crematorium building, construction of which started on January 19, 2019, was built with repeated date extensions. Two cremation equipment have been installed in the crematorium, and a 'fridge' capable of holding four bodies has been installed.

The Urban Development Office stated that the crematorium was constructed at a cost of Rs 11 crore 21 lakh 8 thousand 641. Bodies are brought for cremation at Devghat from Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Tanahu, and various districts of the country.

There are challenges in management due to the lack of firewood. If the cremation site can be operated smoothly, the problem of firewood and the problem of cremation during the rainy season will be solved. Locals say that this will also help in the cremation of unclaimed bodies.

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