Wandering for last rites to end; deadline set for March 2027
Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
The Zilla Parishad (ZP) and Panchayat Samitis (PS) have received funds under the 15th Finance Commission. From this untied fund, planning will be undertaken to build cremation grounds or sheds in villages where such facilities are unavailable, informed deputy chief executive officer of the ZP’s panchayat department, Chandrahar Dhokane.
For the past several years, the issue of cremation grounds has been a major concern in 210 villages of the district. In many villages, due to the lack of designated spaces, villagers were forced to perform last rites on farm boundaries or near streams. This situation often led to social tensions and disputes. Taking serious note of the issue, the District Planning Committee (DPC) has allocated nearly Rs 20 crore under the district annual plan in the concluding financial year. The ZP administration has granted administrative approval for 158 cremation ground projects.
The then CEO Ankit, before his transfer, set a timeline for implementation, directing that all works be completed by the end of March 2027. While this decision brings relief to villagers who have faced difficulties for years due to the lack of cremation facilities, its success will depend on the pace and quality of execution.
In the financial year 2025–26, during the DPC meeting, public representatives emphasised addressing this critical issue. Funds worth crores were sanctioned for these works, out of which 158 cremation grounds will be constructed with administrative approval already in place. The remaining 52 projects will be carried out through the 15th Finance Commission funds.
For the past four years, due to administrative rule over ZP and Panchayat Samitis, these local self-government bodies had not received Finance Commission funds. Recently, both ZP and Panchayat Samitis have received Rs 66 crore each, and priority will be given to cremation ground projects.