MCD’s plans of rallying for CNG-operated crematoriums in the Capital seems have run out of gas. After providing environment-friendly and cheaper CNG-run pyres at the crematoriums in the city, at present, most of them are out of order.

MCD’s CNG crematorium at Bela Road has been out of operation for more than six months now. And the reason for the corporation’s inability to get repair work done is unique: the technician looking into the project is having heart trouble and is currently unavailable for carrying on the work.

The MCD cannot let a third party in either as it has a ten-year contract with the company for maintaining the crematorium.

The CNG crematorium has four pyres, all of which have been out of use for the past six months. The staff in-charge at the crematorium said they have approached the MCD’s Health department on several occasions, but no repairs have been undertaken till date.

MCD’s Health department said talks are on with the Bangalore-based company and the project will be operational in a month’s time.

“The technician who was handling the project has had a bypass surgery and at present we do not have anyone for the repair work,” said doctor M K Paul, who is looking after the project.

Paul also said they cannot let any other agency take up the work, which would amount to a breach of trust due to the existing ten-year contract.

MCD’s CNG crematorium at Sarai Kale Khan has also been closed for more than two months now. The Nigambodh Ghat crematorium was repaired and reopened just last week after remaining shut for months.

... contd.