Local residents carry out a cleanliness drive at the cremation ground in Jajpur. Telegraph picture

Jajpur, Jan. 9: The cremation ground in town has got a facelift, after a cleanliness drive carried out by local residents.

Located on the banks of the holy river Baitarani and owned by Jajpur Municipality, this is one of the oldest cremation sites in the state.

Before the drive was launched, waste that hadn’t been cleared for ages was strewn all over the cremation ground.

“People of the city have been using this cremation ground, popularly known as Baruni Padia, for ages,” said Surendra Barik, leader of the joint team that carried out the cleanliness drive.

Local resident Bijoy Kumar Rana said there was no clean spot left on the ground for carrying out more cremations. “No one from the municipality came to clean the grounds,” he said.

Others who had taken part in the drive said they had alerted the municipal authorities about the unclean conditions at Baruni Padia. “But no steps were taken despite repeated pleas. So were forced to clean the grounds ourselves,” said Sibu Sankar Dutta.

“There is no room to wait or rest while funeral takes place. Stray dogs and foxes feed on the bodies because there is no boundary wall around the cremation ground,” said Debadutta Mishra.

Contacted, Jajpur Municipality executive officer Sudarshan Mishra said steps would be taken to clean the cremation grounds in coming days. “We will certainly pay attention to cleaning work of it in the future,” said Mishra.

The Adya Durga Byabasayi Sangha and Barahanath Sand Quarry Lessee Group joined hands to take up the clean-up drive today.