Photo: OTV
Puri Swargadwara crematorium
Due to shortage of firewood, several environmentalists and aware citizens are of the opinion that electric furnace should be used to incinerate bodies at Swargadwara crematorium in Puri.
Meanwhile, Puri district administration has taken up the matter seriously and sought opinions about the matter from different quarters.
As per popular belief, a person gets emancipation after getting cremated at Swargadwara. Hence, around 100 bodies from different parts of Odisha generally come to Swargadwara for cremation on a daily basis. As two quintals of firewood are required for the cremation of a single person, a total of 72,000 quintals of firewood is required at Swargadwara per year.
Under these circumstances, the casuarina wood supplied by the Forest Department from Astaranga forest to Swargadwara for the purpose is not enough to meet the requirement. Considering the current situation and its environmental impact, many environmentalists and residents of Puri are advocating for the use of an electric furnace at Swargadwara to cremate bodies.
“Those who are coming from faraway places to cremate bodies, want it to be done immediately. Under the circumstance, the electric furnace is required as an alternative at Swargadwara,” said environmentalist Badri Mishra.
“While the form is being filled up for cremation purposes, there should be two options like firewood and electric furnace. Then, people can choose their options accordingly,” said Madhab Pujapanda, a servitor of Srimandir.
“Electric furnace at Puri Swargadwara will be very much useful. It is a welcome step for Puri,” said Jitendra Nath Das, a resident of Puri.
However, in response, some cultural experts are of the view that the body of a person should only be burnt with firewood for cremation as per the Hindu belief. As per the tradition, some parts of the bones of the body are collected for performing further rituals.
“Firewood is a must for the cremation of bodies as per the Hindu ritual,” said culture expert Surya Narayan Rathsharma.
Meanwhile, considering the scarcity of wood, environmental impact and rise in the number of bodies at Swargadwara crematorium, the Puri district administration has sought opinions from different quarters about the use of electric furnaces as an alternative.
“We have sought feedback for the alternative option. If we get maximum feedback for using electric furnace, we will definitely discuss it with the stakeholders, temple management and the intellectuals and take necessary steps in this regard,” said Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain.
Earlier, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokula Nanda Mallik had said that instead of firewood, cow dung can be used to incinerate dead bodies at the Swargadwara.
Also Read: Cow dung to replace firewood at Puri Swargadwara crematorium soon: Odisha Minister
“As per the mentions in the Hindu scriptures, cow dung will be used in the cremation of dead bodies. The decision will take the final shape only after holding discussions with the Swargadwara committee, social organisations and the cattle rearers,” the Minister had said.
