Crematorium for Shingchongri and Martshala_Bata chiwogs in Pema Gatshel looks like it directly popped out from horror stories. With deserted looks and about-to-collapse-house used by people coming for cremation, locals are concerned about the safety of dependents.
Since the crematorium was constructed in 2010 when there was no access to motorable roads, and the construction materials carried by people to the spot- the materials were not very strong or durable. The pillars were rotting and the roof could be blown away by strong winds anytime.
“The crematorium has electricity and water facilities. But it’s still inconvenient. When we have to keep a dead body overnight and when it rains, we do not have a proper shelter and even the kitchen is not usable,” Tshering Dorji, Shingchongri, Dechhenling Gewog, said.
“Summer season has already started. In case there is a wind storm, there are chances that the rotting roof might get blown away. Many people gather for the funeral rites and if a disaster strikes, it could be fatal. I hope nothing of that sort happens,” he added.
The locals have to bear with the conditions of the crematorium for a little longer. According to the Doongphu_Shingchongri tshogpa, the renovation plan is already included in the next financial year.
“We have already allocated the renovation budget in the fiscal year 2019 to 2020. We will shift the location a little further. We have plans to construct drains as well,” Jigme Wangchuk, Doongphu_Shingchongri tshogpa, said.
Locals added the facility also need a chorten, which the Tshogpa also acknowledged.
“Our Rimpoche instructed us to build a chorten and even identified a place just near the crematorium. For now there is no concrete plan but I will take this up during our gewog tshogde and accordingly decide who will construct it. A chiwog cannot decide on this issue. It needs to go through our gewog tshogde,” the tshogpa added.
They don’t have any ritual equipment and kitchen utensil during the time of cremation. As of now they bring things with them at the time of cremation. Today the crematorium is fully utilized by the people of two chiwogs. It is constructed in 2010.
