The cremation ground in Hejo is the only place for people in and around Thimphu to bring dead bodies for cremation. With increasing number of people bringing dead bodies to cremate, the ground remains packed most of the time.
Most of the time, people hardly get a space to keep the dead bodies. Sometimes around 15 dead bodies are brought to cremate at once. In such a situation people, those who have, bring their own tents.
According to Lopen Dorji of the Zhung Dratshang, congested parking area and lack of proper toilets are some other problems faced by the people at the cremation ground.
The Chief Environmental Officer, Gyeltshen Dukpa said the city corporation is working towards developing the crematorium ground. “Regarding the mortuary, we have got an instruction from the minister last year and we have also awarded the work,” said Gyeltshen Dukpa, adding that almost 50% of work is complete.
He said the city corporation has also installed benches and tables in the kitchen for the public use. The corporation along with the department of road will extend the parking areas.
There are also plans to use the four incinerators, which have been left defunct since 2000.
