Public funds up in smoke

Ambernath: Despite spending over 1.32 crore on the construction of an eco-friendly crematorium in Ambernath, the facility remains non-operational even after more than a year of completion. Citizens continue to use the old system and are being forced to pay for cremation services that are officially supposed to be free sparking serious public anger and raising questions over mismanagement and possible corruption.

Local resident Vikas Ingle, while speaking to The Perfect Voice, revealed a shocking experience. “My sister-in-law passed away on June 1, and when we went for her cremation, staff at the crematorium openly demanded money. I was told services are free, but I had to pay, and I even have the receipt. The new facility is not operational, and the quality of construction is extremely poor. It clearly suggests a nexus between officials and contractors,” he alleged. Ingle further demanded strict action against those responsible and urged the authorities to open the new crematorium to the public at the earliest.

Ambernath Municipal Council's Chief Officer Umakant Gaikwad claimed that the new eco-friendly cremation facility is fully functional and free for public use. However, this statement was directly contradicted by the Health Officer Suhas Sawant, who admitted that only one unclaimed body had been cremated during a trial run. He added that operational responsibility still needs to be handed over to a managing agency. Sawant also noted that critical infrastructure such as flooring, construction of platforms, and protective roofing to prevent water ingress is still incomplete.

These conflicting statements have fueled further frustration among residents, highlighting the lack of coordination within the municipal administration. More importantly, it points to possible misuse of public funds, especially since the work order issued on 5/10/2023, stipulated that the project be completed within 90 days. Yet, nearly 18 months later, the facility remains incomplete and unusable.

The delay in launching the eco-friendly cremation system is not only seen as a serious administrative lapse but also as a moral failure, given the sensitive nature of the service one that deals with the final rites of the deceased. Citizens are demanding accountability, transparency, and swift completion of the project to prevent further emotional and financial burden on grieving families.