Emphasising the need for dignified last rites and improved civic infrastructure, Mayor Neeta Thakre has directed officials to conduct a comprehensive review and strengthen the facilities across all 21 crematoriums (Dahan Ghats) in the city. During a high-level meeting held recently at the Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Standing Committee Hall, Mayor instructed the administration to submit a detailed report on these facilities within eight days. The meeting, attended by MLA Krishna Khopde, Deputy Mayor Leela Hathibed, and Standing Committee Chairperson Shivani Dani-Wakhre, included a presentation on the current status of crematoriums across all ten zones. The Mayor highlighted several key priorities including immediate appointment of security guards and the construction of compound walls to prevent the entry of anti-social elements. Using models from other cities to upgrade and beautify local facilities, along with verifying the exact land area for each ghat to ensure proper boundary demarcation.

 

 

Serious concerns were raised regarding illegal encroachments that obstruct funeral processions. Mayor Thakre ordered the immediate issuance of notices to encroachers and demanded a clear inventory of NMC-owned land. Adding to this, MLA Krishna Khopde specifically pointed out the deteriorating conditions at the Wathoda and Pardi crematoriums. He noted that illegal occupations at Wathoda and the lack of a security wall at Pardi require urgent intervention. Other attendees included Leader of the House Narendra (Balya) Borkar, Health Chairperson Manisha Atkare, and Additional Commissioner Ankit, along with senior engineers and health officials who have been tasked with ensuring the ‘mission-mode’ execution of these upgrades.