Electric crematorium to come up in Ballari

BALLARI: Following public outrage and widespread criticism of the mass burial of Covid-19 victims in Ballari, after shocking images of bodies being dumped went viral, the district administration has decided to install an electric crematorium for safe and respectful cremation of Covid-19 patients.
Health minister Sriramulu, who conducted a review meeting on Friday, said the government has already sanctioned four electric crematoria exclusively to perform the last rites of patients who die of Covid-19 in Bengaluru."As Ballari is witnessing increasing deaths, we have decided to install an electric crematorium," he said.
He said the district administration should take the initiative to install an electric crematorium at Guggarhatti or any other place.
Deputy commissioner SS Nakul said the administration is scouting for a suitable place. "We have also asked staff involved in performing last rites of victims to follow protocol and respect the dead. The crematorium will put an end to all such issues," the DC said.
Sources said the staff involved in conducting the last rites of patients have been warned not to carry phones or any recording devices. The directive comes after disturbing visuals of burials emerged from Ballari and Yadgir.
An officer said the location will be finalised in a week.