The gateway to heaven - Nabagraha Crematorium, located at Silpukhuri is undergoing a major revamp.
The redevelopment project aims to upgrade the facility and provide better facilities for the deceased and their family members. The project was initiated on September 28 last year.
Under the Chief Minister Untied Fund, a substantial amount of Rs 8 crore was allotted for the revamp of the crematorium. The entire project will be under the supervision of the Public Works Department Building Division.
The crematorium at present is under the care of Nabagraha Smashan Seva Committee. Members of the committee collectively work for the upkeep of the establishment.
Under the guidance of President- Bolendra Bharali, Working President- Mukut Chandra Borah, General Secretary- Prabin Borthakur, and other members of the committee, the establishment plays an important role in society.
While speaking to GPlus, Mukut Chandra Borah said, "It is a phase-wise project. The first two phases are in the process under which Rs 4 crore have been allotted and are being utilised accordingly. The rest of the amount will be given as the project continues."
"The entire project will take six to eight months for completion. More than 80 workers were involved initially and as the workload gradually decreased the number of workers also capped down. However, the work is going on full swing and it has not been interrupted by the daily cremations," Borah said.
At present, the crematorium has five pyres, and the facility is being raised to seven, including one more cremation facility for members of other communities.
The new plan includes enhanced provision and facilities for visitors. Along with that, a facility for storing corpses in case the pyres are not vacant will also be provided.
"Earlier, visitors and family members of the deceased didn't have a proper resting place as it was open. Mosquitoes, bird poop, and monkeys were a major problem. Now a proper room with bathing and sitting facilities will be provided. This is a major upgrade," said the President, Bolendra Bharali.
Bharali added, "Earlier the belongings of the deceased were manually burned at the corner of the premises. That would change as two incinerators are being installed, which will improve the waste management scenario. Moreover, the entire establishment of 6 bigha 6 lessa will be surrounded by cemented walls."
The establishment also provides a gas-based crematorium which was dysfunctional for the last two years. After Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) brought in technicians to repair it, the public can now opt for the same.
However, there are mixed reactions from the public about whether to follow the traditional practice or use the gas-based crematorium.
While speaking to GPlus, a member of the committee said, "The gas-based facility is pollution-free and cost-efficient. But, most people refrain from using it as a sentiment attached to the traditional ritual.”
The gas-based crematorium was useful during the first phase of COVID. For families who come from remote places for medical treatment in Guwahati, and due to certain complexities the patient doesn't survive, they prefer to use the cost-efficient facility, the members said.
Earlier, a lot of development work for the Nabagraha crematorium was taken care of by Dispur Hospital. As a part of a corporate social responsibility initiative, the hospital along with other institutions like PP Charitable Trust, and Numaligarh Refinery Limited helped develop the crematorium.
It needs to be mentioned that the committee helps the marginalised section of the society as well. Along with the committee, a lot of people help with contributions to ensure the proper upkeep of the Nabagraha crematorium.
With a few months left for completion, the society is eagerly waiting for a redeveloped and upgraded Nabagraha Crematorium.