Team Herald
PONDA: The crematorium in Curti is facing issues due to the absence of a compound wall, which has led to migrants using the land as a public road and parking area.
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Local residents have expressed their frustration, alleging that migrants are encroaching on the crematorium property by constructing makeshift houses. They claimed that the lack of a compound wall and the gate left unlocked, has allowed migrants to park their vehicles along the crematorium road, which is also a vital access route for local residents.
O Heraldo, a few years ago had highlighted that unauthorized final rites were being conducted at the crematorium. In response, the Curti-Khandepar Panchayat had installed a locked gate to restrict access. However, residents now note that the gate remains open around the clock.
The land for the crematorium was purchased 17 years ago for use by various communities, including Hindus, Muslims and Catholics, and was developed by clearing a portion of the hill.
Despite concerns about illegal encroachments, Sarpanch Harish Naik has denied the allegations. He stated that the Panchayat recently constructed the crematorium and that the gate is currently open to allow vehicles transporting materials for the construction of a crematorium shed.
Naik explained that while the land was acquired long ago, a compound wall has not yet been built due to a pending demarcation survey, which is now in its final stages. He assured residents that action would be taken against any encroachments and that a compound wall would be constructed around the crematorium land once the survey is completed.
