The Meghalaya High Court has sought for a more comprehensive and structured report from the State government indicating plans that are being implemented for setting up of crematoriums and burial sites in various towns of the State.
The order was issued by the division bench of the High Court while hearing the PIL on the matter.
During the hearing, a short report was filed by the State government through the Secretary, Social Welfare Department.
The report mentioned the proposals for augmenting the existing facilities at four major locations in Shillong, Tura, Jowai and Nongpoh. The list in the report referred to a fifth town, Nongstoin. However, there is no immediate proposal for augmenting the existing facilities in Nongstoin.
In respect of the four other towns – Shillong, Tura, Jowai and Nongpoh -some proposals are indicated under a special assistance scheme for capital investment 2023-24, but there is no indication as to the extent of the work proposed or undertaken.
“Since financial year 2023-24 is about to enter its last quarter in a couple of months, it does not appear that any progress may be made for augmenting the facilities at the four major towns. In any event, the previous order of October 3, 2023 had referred not only to crematoriums but also to burial grounds. The report reveals nothing regarding burial grounds for different communities,” the High Court observed.
“It is hoped that a more comprehensive and structured report is filed by the State indicating plans that are being implemented and not plans that may only be on the drawing board,” the court added.
The High Court also directed the State government to file a detailed report on the matter at the next hearing to be held on November 17.
