Sri Vijaya Puram, June 4: Hindu Rashtra Shakti (HRS), Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has appealed to the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to undertake immediate restoration and maintenance work at the Hindu cremation ground in Junglighat, citing concerns over what it described as the deteriorating condition of the facility and its impact on families performing last rites.
In a representation addressed to the Lieutenant Governor, Member of Parliament, Chief Secretary, Deputy Commissioner (South Andaman), and Assistant Secretary (AR Wing), the organization called for urgent intervention to improve infrastructure and ensure the dignified conduct of funeral rites at the cremation ground.
The representation states that the cremation ground, which serves as an important religious and community facility, is facing issues related to poor maintenance, damaged infrastructure, unhygienic surroundings, inadequate drainage, and insufficient upkeep. According to HRS, these conditions have caused inconvenience and distress to grieving families during funeral ceremonies.
The organization argued that cremation grounds hold significant cultural and religious importance in Hindu tradition and should be maintained with the same seriousness accorded to other public facilities. It stated that the condition of the site has become a matter of concern among members of the community who regularly use the facility for performing final rites.
According to the memorandum, HRS has raised the issue on multiple occasions through representations, emails, and public appeals addressed to various authorities and public representatives. However, the organization alleged that only temporary repairs have been undertaken in response to the concerns and that long-term solutions have yet to be implemented.
The group claimed that while patchwork repairs are occasionally carried out, the overall condition of the cremation ground continues to deteriorate over time. It expressed concern that recurring maintenance issues remain unresolved despite repeated requests from community members.
Highlighting the emotional significance of the issue, the representation noted that funeral ceremonies are among the most sensitive moments in a family’s life. The organization stated that families should be able to perform the last rites of their loved ones in an environment that is clean, dignified, and respectful of religious traditions.
The memorandum also referred to public statements made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding cleanliness and civic responsibility, arguing that public facilities associated with important social and religious functions should receive proper attention from authorities.
HRS further stated that it had previously suggested an alternative arrangement under which the maintenance of the cremation ground could be entrusted to a responsible Hindu organization if government agencies faced difficulties in managing the facility. According to the representation, no decision has been taken on the proposal so far.
Among its key demands, the organization has sought immediate restoration of the cremation ground and improvement of sanitation measures. It also requested repairs to damaged infrastructure, better drainage systems to prevent waterlogging, improved lighting arrangements, and a mechanism for regular upkeep of the premises.
The representation urged senior officials to personally examine the condition of the facility and ensure that necessary corrective measures are implemented without delay. It argued that maintaining such facilities is essential not only from a civic perspective but also from the standpoint of preserving religious dignity and public sentiment.
Community organizations have, in recent years, periodically raised concerns regarding the condition of public cremation and burial facilities in different parts of the islands, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall when drainage and access-related issues become more pronounced.
HRS said the administration’s intervention would help address long-standing concerns and improve the experience of families visiting the cremation ground. The organization expressed hope that authorities would take compassionate and timely action on what it described as a sensitive public issue.
