Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 14 July 2025
The Hindu Rashtra Shakti, Andaman & Nicobar State Unit, has raised serious concerns over the deteriorating condition of the Junglighat Crematorium (Shamshan Ghat) and has appealed to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor of the Islands for urgent intervention.
In a letter addressed to the Lt. Governor, Angshuman Roy, State Youth President of Hindu Rashtra Shakti, highlighted the dire state of the crematorium, describing it as unsafe and lacking even the most basic facilities. Roy expressed the anguish faced by grieving families, citing broken platforms, damaged boundary walls, and the frequent presence of stray animals such as dogs and pigs that disrupt funeral proceedings and pose health hazards.
The letter emphasized the complete absence of essential amenities, including toilet facilities, clean drinking water, shaded waiting areas, and adequate lighting—particularly affecting women, children, and the elderly attending last rites. Concerns were also raised about poor drainage and the lack of proper storage space for firewood.
Calling for immediate action, Roy requested the renovation of platforms and boundary walls, the removal of stray animals, and the installation of basic infrastructure such as toilets, handwashing stations, drinking water points, shaded seating areas, and proper lighting and drainage systems.
“The current condition of the cremation ground deeply undermines the dignity owed to the departed and their families,” the letter stated, urging the administration to take swift measures in restoring the sanctity and functionality of the facility.
Copies of the letter have also been sent to the Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the Chief Secretary of the A&N Administration, the Deputy Commissioner of South Andaman, and all print media outlets.
