File picture of Nabagraha crematorium

Dec. 21: Dispur’s decision to entrust the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) with the task of developing the Nabagraha crematorium has peeved the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC).

A source in the corporation said the public works committee of the GMC has asked mayor Dolly Bora to take up the matter with chief minister Tarun Gogoi and Guwahati development department (GDD) as the development of crematorium is a municipal subject.

“We are surprised to know that the GDD has accorded administrative approval to the GMDA to execute the project to develop the crematorium in spite of the fact that the project was prepared and submitted by the corporation,” the source said.

He said based on the project submitted by the GMC, an amount of Rs 40 lakh was earmarked for it in the annual action plan of the GDD.

Under the project, the GMC has proposed installation of LPG -based cremation furnaces, public conveniences and landscaping at the Nabagraha crematorium.

“The GMC had prepared a detailed project report and submitted it to GDD in August for release of funds. But now we have learnt that the GDD has asked the GMDA to execute the project, which we object to,” the GMC source said.

“The public works committee of the GMC has sought the mayor’s intervention to influence the government to restore the project in the name of the corporation because according to the laid down norms, development and maintenance of the crematorium and burial ground are the responsibility of the local municipality,” he added.

The matter also came up for discussion during a meeting between the GMC and GMDA officials held at the Uzan Bazar office of the corporation yesterday.

He said since the GMC comprises councillors, who are the elected representatives of the people, it is the local self-government of the city and primarily responsible for improving the basic amenities and development of civic infrastructure.

“Despite this fact, the government for reasons best known to it, gives priority to the GMDA when it comes to the execution of development projects in the city. Even from the total budget of Rs 5 crore with the GDD for the development of the city for the fiscal 2007-08, the corporation was allotted only Rs 1 crore while more than Rs 3 crore was earmarked for the GMDA,” he said.

The corporation has also raised the issue of Nabagraha crematorium before East Guwahati MLA Robin Bordoloi, as the crematorium comes under his constituency.

The GMC source said it is imperative to use alternative source of energy for cremation as it will save a substantial quantity of wood and also help reduce pollution.

Ankur Appliances, a firm approved by the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), has expressed its willingness to install the LPG-based cremation facility at Nabagraha.

“Unlike in other cities, Guwahati is yet to have any electric crematorium and the use of LPG could be a good option,” the source said.