To prevent cremations on beach, Digha to get electric crematorium

The crematorium will be constructed by Digha Shankarpur Development Authority (DSDA) at an estimated cost of Rs 6 crore. The crematorium will come up at Kadhal Gobra, under Govindabasan mouza, between the existing canal towards sea and Digha Mohona Road.

Dead bodies are currently cremated along the sea shore. This causes massive environmental pollution and deforestation as huge quantities of wood are required to set up funeral pyres. The ashes are later thrown into the canal polluting the water and making the sea beach filthy.

The electric crematorium will not only prevent environmental pollution, but also prevent felling of trees. The crematorium complex will have an office building, funeral building, staff quarters, prayer hall, food stalls, shops and a toilet block. People residing in the adjoining villages will be benefitted as the cremation of their kith and kin can be carried out in a decent matter. The construction of the crematorium will begin shortly.

The department has also sanctioned Rs 303 lakh for the newly set up Tarapith Rampurhat Development Authority, which was created following an administrative order issued on March 25 this year. There are 56 mouzas, with a total population of 5,25,673, under the jurisdiction of the authority. The administrative approval for 15 schemes, at an estimated cost of Rs 260.11 lakh, has been given. Nine more schemes, worth Rs 43.15 lakh, are also coming up in the area.

A mukhagni shed will be constructed near the Tarapith Mahasamsan. The extension of the office of the sub-divisional officer and improvement of Mundamalinitala mandir are some of the important projects that have been taken up.

The newly-commissioned development authority will help tourism in Tarapith Bakreshwar area. Lakhs of people visit the temple town every year and the construction of state-run guest houses has made their stay comfortable. The hot spring at Bakreshwar and the Mama Bhagne hills are also prime tourist attraction.