Pokhara's Modern Crematorium Remains Unused After 3 Years

Pokhara. It has been 3 years since a modern crematorium was built in Pokhara. The Urban Development Ministry, under the federal government, constructed the crematorium at Ramghat in Pokhara Metropolitan City-10. The structure was completed and handed over 3 years ago. The Urban Development Office also handed it over to the metropolis 2 years ago. However, the door of the structure has remained locked until now. Stakeholders have expressed concern that this state-of-the-art structure, built at a cost of over 141.3 million rupees, has remained unused. During the monsoon, the traditional riverside cremation ghats of the Seti River get submerged, making it difficult to cremate bodies using firewood, causing hardship to the people of Pokhara. Meanwhile, due to lack of regular use, the installed machines have started to rust. The crematorium, spread over an area of about 10 ropanis, has the capacity to house 3 cremation machines, but only 2 have been installed so far. Within the premises, a hall for final tributes, a temple for Hindus, and a stupa for Buddhists have also been constructed.

Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya stated that the crematorium could not be operated due to technical and internal uncertainties, and it would be brought into use by August.