The State government has informed the Meghalaya High Court that it plans to construct electric hybrid crematoria at New Shillong Township, Tura, Jowai and Nongpoh scheduled to be completed in 24 months.
The government said that administrative approval has been obtained but further approvals from other authorities like the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board are awaited.
The state said the electric hybrid crematoria at New Shillong Township is at a cost of Rs 5.53 crore, at Tura Rs 4.69 crore, Jowai Rs 5.16 crore and Nongpoh at a cost of Rs 4.9 crore.
The division bench of Chief Justice Indra Prasana Mukerji and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh noted that the projects are “grandiose” but said, “It is clear that the date from which these crematoria will be operational is very very uncertain.”
While hearing a PIL for cremation of the dead belonging to the indigenous faith today, the division bench also directed the State government to obtain necessary approvals within four weeks and to submit its report before the next hearing scheduled on May 8, 2025.
The completed scientific crematorium (eco-friendly) projects for Seng Khasi are at Syllei-Iawkein, Nongstoin, Khlieh Tyrshi village, Jowai and Jhalupara in Shillong, the government informed.
The court noted that the number of crematoria in a substantial area of the State is small compared to the number of dead bodies to be disposed of and often the distance between two crematoria is very large. The Khasi and Jaintia people have expressed their unwillingness to share a crematorium with the Hindus, making the problem more acute, it said.
Meanwhile, Amicus Curiae advocate N. Syngkon submitted before the court that he has had some meetings with government officials and sought time to file a report.
“On hearing him, we understand that nothing concrete has taken place and only proposals at the initial stage have been mooted to these two communities to resolve the problem as an interim measure,” the court said.
The court also directed the Amicus Curiae to hold meetings with the District Magistrates and representatives of the communities to persuade on sharing crematoria on terms as may be set by both and to file a comprehensive report before the next hearing.
