Kolkata: The beautification programme of Shibpur crematorium in central Howrah couldn't take off well due to lackadaisical attitude of the Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC).
The initiative, taken up by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee two years ago, was supposed to beautify the century-old crematorium and its neighbourhood. While a part of the crematorium has been beautified and well kept, the other part mainly where mourners sit is a victim of abject neglect.
There is a place adjacent to the crematorium and on the banks of River Hooghly that was developed so that mourners could get a green and clean place to sit. Though the portion where a rest room has come up is well-maintained, the place just opposite it needs proper maintenance as despite all infrastructures it cannot be used properly at present. The infrastructure was created a few years ago with an idea of developing a better space where mourners can sit. The area was beautifully fenced and concrete seats with marble tops were also constructed. But with lack of maintenance, it is hardly fit for a person to go and sit there.
There was no regular cleaning and empty alcohol bottles have been found strewn all over the place. The drains were clogged with dry leaves and soil. As a result of this accumulation of water, it has become the breeding ground of mosquitoes. Many of the concrete seats were found now being used for drying clothes and the rest are covered with weeds and bushes which have grown due to lack of regular maintenance.
Shyamal Mitra, Member Mayor-in-Council (Burning Ghat and Burial Ground), said: "There is pending litigation in connection with the plot. But initiatives will be taken for proper illumination of the place and cleaning of the garden so that no anti-social activities take place there."