Bihar: 30 years on, Araria has no crematorium

ARARIA: Locals on Friday alleged bodies of Covid victims remain undisposed for as long as 48 hours due to lack of crematorium in Araria town.
“Araria was upgraded as a district in 1990. Thirty years on, the town does not have a proper crematorium. As a result, the administration is finding it difficult to dispose of bodies of Covid victims,” said Devendra Mishra, former president Araria District Bar Association.
Two bodies could be disposed of scientifically after a great deal of difficulties last week. Waterlogging in several areas of the town has also made disposal of bodies difficult.
Araria DM Prashant Kumar C H had recently asked civil surgeon Dr Shyam Nandan Singh to ensure quick and proper disposal of bodies of Covid patients and fix an amount to be incurred for the same.
The civil surgeon, after consultation with members of the district health committee, has fixed a sum of Rs 6,000 for disposing of each body. However, where the bodies will be disposed of is still a million dollar question in the town.
Araria Municipal Council chairman Ritesh Rai said he has been seeking land from the district administration for setting up a crematorium for past many years, but to no avail. “The old crematorium is being rehabilitated,” he added.