Birbhum's Sacred Crematorium in Crisis: Pollution, Lack of Facilities Spark Outcry

• Bakreshwar Mahashmashan, a sacred site in Birbhum, faces severe issues due to a lack of modern infrastructure.
• Cremation waste, including ash and remnants, is directly dumped into the Bakreshwar River, causing significant pollution and harming its ecosystem.
• Many people cremate bodies directly in the riverbed, further exacerbating river pollution.
• Despite the Zilla Parishad constructing a covered furnace, locals and pilgrims demand an electric crematorium and essential facilities.
• Basic amenities like adequate lighting, drinking water, and toilets are urgently needed at the crematorium, causing inconvenience to visitors.

Why It Matters: Bakreshwar Mahashmashan faces environmental and infrastructural crisis, demanding urgent modern upgrades and basic amenities.