Sri Vijaya Puram: Hindu Rashtra Shakti has urged the Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands to intervene in what it describes as a growing civic and cultural concern, the deteriorating state of the Hindu cremation ground at Junglighat. In a formal submission addressed to Raj Niwas, the organisation has highlighted the lack of basic infrastructure, ongoing safety risks, and repeated disruptions to last rites due to stray animals at the Shamshan Ghat.
The appeal was submitted by Angshuman Roy, State Youth President of the organisation, who called for immediate administrative action. The cremation platforms at the site, the letter claims, are in a dilapidated state, and the broken boundary walls have failed to keep out stray dogs and pigs, often leading to disruption during funeral ceremonies.
The group also highlighted the complete absence of basic civic facilities. There are no toilet blocks, handwashing units, or drinking water points at the site, causing severe inconvenience to mourners, particularly women, children, and elderly attendees. With no shaded area or designated waiting space, families are reportedly left standing for hours under harsh weather conditions during long rituals.
The letter points out additional issues, including poor lighting for evening ceremonies, lack of drainage infrastructure, and no secure storage area for firewood used during cremations. These shortcomings, the organisation said, collectively undermine the dignity of the deceased and those performing the last rites.
Among the demands put forward are renovation of the cremation platforms, restoration of the boundary wall, construction of permanent sanitation and drinking water facilities, installation of shaded seating, and improvements in site lighting and drainage. The group has also urged for immediate removal of stray animals from the premises and enforcement of site maintenance by relevant authorities.
Hindu Rashtra Shakti has framed the issue as not just a community grievance but a broader concern tied to constitutional rights. “This cremation ground serves a large section of the Hindu population, and its condition is both unsafe and disrespectful,” the letter stated, urging the LG to treat the matter with urgency.
The cremation ground at Junglighat is one of the primary sites used for Hindu last rites in Sri Vijaya Puram and caters to residents from multiple areas. Over the years, several civic complaints have been raised regarding its upkeep, but little has changed on the ground, according to locals.
The organisation stated that a coordinated response by the administration would help restore faith in civic governance and reinforce the right of every citizen to conduct religious practices with dignity and safety.
As of now, there has been no official response from Raj Niwas on the petition. However, the issue is expected to surface in upcoming municipal and district-level discussions on public amenities and religious infrastructure.
