The relocation of the Hejo crematorium to Hongtsho has sparked mixed public reactions. Meanwhile, as debates over the move continue, the need to maintain the aging facilities at the current site becomes urgent.
The government has decided to relocate the Hejo Crematorium to around 46 acres of land in Hongtsho. The new location is about ten kilometres from Thimphu town towards Wangdue Phodrang. The current site in Hejo will be transformed into a green park as part of the Thimphu Structure Plan.
The Minister for Infrastructure and Transport said that they are working on the final design, following the completion of the initial high-level concept design.
Meanwhile, the majority of the people BBS spoke to said that keeping the crematorium at Hejo would be the most convenient option, particularly for poor family backgrounds.
Kinley said, “For wealthy people, a crematorium is convenient anywhere, but for common people like us, the crematorium at Hejo is very convenient. Even if a person dies at the hospital, we can easily transport the body to the site, and visiting is more convenient here. If it is relocated to Hongtsho, we do not have a vehicle even if we wanted to go.”
Karma Norlha said, “There is a Mithrub Lhakhang with monks here, where holding rituals for the deceased is easier. However, if it is relocated to Hongtsho, people will have to travel there, which will add to their expenses. Additionally, the government will have to bear extra costs, and a Mithrub Lhakhang will need to be constructed at the new location”
“When bodies are kept for 2-3 days since the crematorium is near the town, our workplace, and our homes, we can visit the site frequently. However, reserving vehicles and travelling to Hongtsho would make things difficult for common people. Therefore, it would help us if it could be kept in Hejo,” Omtong added.
“Our parents say that crematoriums are located near Dzongs because it is convenient to request monks from the Dzong to conduct rituals. Moreover, in my opinion, I feel that scattering ashes is more convenient here than at Hongtsho, so Hejo is the ideal place,” Tshewang Penjor shared.
On the other hand, some individuals supported the decision.
Sonam Phuntsho said, “A lot of people die every day, and it is difficult to find space to cremate the bodies. So, I believe relocating the crematorium would be very beneficial. Keeping it here has more negative impacts because the air is polluted not only at Hejo but in other areas”
“Tourists mostly visit the capital from Paro, and when they visit Trashichhodzong, the sight of the crematorium right next to the dzong is unpleasant,” said Dhan Maya Phuyel.
Amid all the debates, the need for additional infrastructure at the current site has become urgent as the number of bodies for cremation continues to rise.
However, according to Thimphu Thromde, only minimal renovation works are carried out at the Hejo site as the crematorium is to be shifted to Hongtsho. The Thimphu Thromde spends around a million ngultrum every year.
People who preferred not to appear on camera told BBS that relocating the crematorium would be beneficial in the long run. They said that the change is hard to accept.
Kinzang Lhadon
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
