Shillong, Apr 9: The Meghalaya High Court has directed the state government to obtain necessary approval within four weeks for construction of four new electric hybrid crematoriums.
The court issued the order while hearing a PIL while keeping in view the government proposal to construct electric hybrid crematoria at New Shillong Township with Rs 5.53 crore, Tura – Rs 4.69 crore, Jowai – Rs 5.16 crore, and Nongpoh – Rs 4.9 crore.
“As far as the new projects are concerned, the state government is directed to obtain necessary approvals within four weeks from date,” the bench comprising Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh stated in the order.
According to government counsel, key permissions such as from Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board are still awaited for the projects.
The scheduled time of completion is 24 months from the date of sanction.
From this averment, it is clear that the date from which these crematoria will be operational is very very uncertain, the court observed.
However, the report mentioned completed projects i.e. scientific crematorium (eco -friendly) for Seng Khasi at Syllei-Iawkein, Nongstoin, Khlieh Tyrshi village, Jowai and Jhalupara in Shillong.
Meanwhile, the court also directed the amicus curiae to hold meetings with the district magistrates and representatives of the Khasi-Jaintia and Hindu communities so that they are persuaded to share crematoria.
The number of crematoria in a substantial area of the state is small compared to the number of bodies to be disposed of and often the distance between two crematoria is very large.
Furthermore, the Khasi and Jaintia people have expressed their unwillingness to share a crematorium with the Hindus, making the problem more acute, it said.
The next hearing will be held on May 8.
