Sources in the MCD informed that the men on duty are not happy with the CNG set-up. “Cremation on a CNG pyre costs only Rs 500, whereas a regular pyre takes up the charges to Rs 3000. The staff on duty at these crematoriums also does not encourage people to cremate the dead on CNG pyres, in a bid to make more money,” said an MCD official on grounds of anonymity.

MCD Health Officer Dr N K Yadav, however, assured the crematorium will be operational in a month’s time.

“We have had a meeting with the company and have asked them to complete repairs and make the system operational as early as possible. Work will start in the coming week and the system would be operational by next month,” he said.