Team Herald
PONDA: The issue of crematoriums for Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities residing near forest areas dominated the discussions at Curti-Khandepar Gram Sabha.
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Heated arguments ensued which prompted the Sarpanch Abhijeet Gaude to step in and advise the members to discuss the matters in detail and submit proposals for identifying suitable land for the crematoriums.
While discussing the OPA-Khandepar crematorium, Gaude informed the sabha that two years ago, the ST community was prohibited from performing final rites at the existing crematorium. Following this, some local residents approached the ST and SC Commissioner, who visited the site. The Commissioner instructed the community to propose a 2000-square-metre plot of land for final rites. The Sarpanch called on all ST communities at OPA-Wada to meet with stakeholders and select an appropriate location for the crematorium. The decision on the crematorium site will be made by the ST locals.
The ST communities at Murdi-Khandepar expressed that they have been performing final rites at the same crematorium for many years, and it is included in the regional plan. However, some individuals raised concerns that it had been incorrectly recorded in the plan. The ST communities clarified their intention to retain the traditional land for the crematorium, and a resolution was passed to rectify the matter.
The matter of encroachment at the Curti-Khandepar Panchayat crematorium in Deep Nagar Curti was also discussed. Sarpanch Gaude stated that notices had been issued to the encroachers, but no responses or documents had been provided. He informed that the Directorate of Settlement & Land Records would conduct a demarcation of the land, after which a final decision would be made.
At the start of the session, the appointment of the VDC (Village Development Committee) Convenor was brought up. Panchayat member Bhika Kerkar stressed the importance of the VDC in development works and suggested that the Gram Sabha make a suitable decision. The Sarpanch responded that the VDC Convenor issue would be revisited at the next Gram Sabha meeting.
