Set up electric, LPG crematoriums in state: Gauhati High Court

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: A Division Bench of the Gauhati High Court has directed the state government to make all endeavours to set up electric or LPG crematoriums at all district headquarters of Assam "may be in a phased manner, but as expeditiously as possible".

The court issued this directive while disposing of a PIL filed by one Bijan Chakraborty. The petitioner had prayed that the court should issue directives to the authorities concerned to set up electric or LPG crematoriums in the crematoriums of the state; initiate steps to make such crematoriums functional; initiate steps for awareness of the people about the eco-friendly benefits of the electric or LPG crematoriums and encourage their use for funerals; disseminate information about availability of 'Green Cremation Pyres' and their benefits in various media like TV, radio, newspaper etc., so as to motivate people in this regard; and enact law or publish guidelines in the matter of use of 'Green Cremation Pyres'.

Assam's Advocate General Devajit Saikia submitted that the petitioner's grievance has been taken into consideration and informed the Bench that the state's Director of Municipal Administration will endeavour to establish electric or LPG crematoriums at every district headquarter of Assam in a phased manner. Saikia further submitted that electric crematoriums exist at some places, but people sometimes prefer the traditional method of cremation for their own emotional reasons.

The Division Bench observed: "It is a matter of fact that in today's scenario, where preservation of environment is predominantly necessary, instead of traditional method of cremation, electric/LPG crematorium would subserve the object of preservation of environment, as the same would contribute to the endeavour of the state authorities in achieving the goal set up by the Constitution of India as regards preservation of environment in a better manner."

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