Population increasing, infrastructure at cremation sites developing at snail's pace: Allahabad HC [Read Order]

The Allahabad High Court recently lamented over the deplorable condition of burial and cremation grounds for the growing population in the State. 

The bench reckoned the horrific situation which peaked during Covid19 pandemic when proper cremation of the bodies of departed souls was impossible due to serious lack of infrastructure at cremation centres. 

The population is increasing day by day but the infrastructure at the cremation sites are being developed at snail's pace. It is very unfortunate that the common people struggle their whole life for getting proper amenities and even after their last breath they are deprived of from getting proper cremation facilities. At this stage, we are striving to achieve one trillion economy but still unable to give proper facilities at the cremation centres

The Court was hearing a plea which brought to light the shabby and dilapidated conditions of crematorium/ cremation sites across the State which lacked basic amenities and infrastructure. 

In response to the overall poor conditions of crematoriums in the state, the Court had issued an order on November 20, 2023, directing the Secretary of Nagar Vikas Government of UP to respond and provide information on the state government's policies addressing the issue. Basis which, an affidavit was filed before the Court which stated that since Urban Local Body i.e. Municipalities/ Municipal Corporations are autonomous bodies, it is their duty to ensure the proper maintenance and development of the cremation sites located in the urban areas. 

Regarding the maintenance and development work of Cremation Center/ Crematorium in the rural areas, the competent authority is Panchayati Raj Department, Government of U.P, the affidavit stated. And so, Urban Development Department is not empowered to take any action in respect of maintenance or to regulate such sites across the State in Gram Panchayats.

Noting this, the Court asked for the Addl. Chief Secretary, Panchayati Raj, Government of U.P. as well as the Addl. Chief Secretary, Urban Development, Government of U.P. to be impleaded as parties in the matter. 

The Court then directed the State authorities to take concrete steps in this regard. The Bench asked Additional Advocate General M.C. Chaturvedi to communicate this order to the respective officers. If required, the matter may even be placed before the Chief Secretary of the State so that proper solution of this problem may be evolved benefitting the public at large, the Bench said before parting with the order. The next hearing will be on January 18.

[Read Order]