Pune: The civic body has decided to conduct a structural audit of all crematoriums under its jurisdiction and prepare the report in a month.The decision came after videos went viral on social media highlighting the poor condition of the facilities.The administration was likely to review roofs, tin sheds installed, availability of water, sanitation facilities, seating for people, parking and display boards, said Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials. The audit would check the basic infrastructure, pollution control measures and electric cremation facilities as well.“The civic administration must ensure crematoriums have all amenities in place. PMC must also create awareness about use of smaller ones located in different areas of the city,” said Sinhagad Road resident Samir Paranjape.PMC officials said multiple departments were involved in maintenance and operation of the facilities. They also said there was demand for electrical crematoriums at many locations. Its need, installation and impact would also be assessed.“Electrical department officials will visit the facilities and make an assessment. The future course of action will be decided accordingly,” said head of PMC’s electrical department Manisha Shekatkar.PMC has been promoting decentralisation of cremations to reduce the massive load on the centrally located Vaikunth crematorium. In 2022, the civic body had explored the idea to stop cremations at Vaikunth after 6pm. The option was discussed after the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute’s audit. However, the suggestion did not materialise due to high demand and other practical reasons.There are 21 crematoriums in PMC areas. Officials said most were rarely used with 70% of cremations happening at Vaikunth. During the Covid pandemic, local residents had objected to the large number of cremations, forcing PMC to push for decentralisation.
