Raiganj, Sept. 11 -- The Raiganj municipality has decided to upgrade the technological infrastructure of two electric cremation furnaces at the Bandar crematorium at an estimated cost of Rs 35 lakh, with the funds being sanctioned by the state Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Department.
According to municipal officials, the two electric cremation furnaces were installed at the Bandar crematorium around eight years ago. However, only one of them was generally used on a regular basis, while the other remained largely unused. In the absence of proper technological infrastructure and maintenance, both furnaces subsequently developed mechanical problems and remained defunct for a considerable period, causing inconvenience to local residents.
Municipal authorities have now decided to overhaul and modernise both furnaces so that they can operate regularly without frequent technical failures. The project will also focus on upgrading the chimneys with modern technology to control smoke and reduce air pollution in the surrounding areas.
Officials said the availability of properly functioning electric cremation facilities would also reduce dependence on traditional wood-based cremation. Apart from requiring a considerable quantity of firewood, traditional cremation takes more time and generates substantial smoke and pollution, creating difficulties for people living near the crematorium.
Raiganj SDO and municipal administrator Tanmay Banerjee said "The municipality has received Rs 35 lakh from the state for the upgradation of the two electrical furnaces of the crematorium."
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.