Source: The Hindustan Times
NEW DELHI, INDIA, May 29, 2001: The subcommittee set up in 1997 to prepare a status report on the condition of cremation grounds in New Delhi and to formulate a policy for their improvement is yet to finalize its report. Lack of interest on the part of members and health officials is cited. The committee was set up by the apex policy -making body of the Municipal Corporation to put a stop to the harassment faced by the public when they use the Corporation-maintained cremation grounds. Opposition leader Ram Babu Sharma has issued a strong letter to Municipal Commissioner S. P. Aggarwal saying that pundits demand large fees to perform the last rites. Also fuelwood used for cremation is also sold at exorbitant rates. He urged fixing of prices which should be displayed prominently on a board. There are 269 cremation grounds under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Corporation, and 57 are maintained by MCD.