At mass crematorium, victims are just token numbers

At mass crematorium, victims are just token numbers

Petlee.Peter@timesgroup.com

Bengaluru:23.05.2021 

At the mass cremation ground in Kurubarahalli, off Magadi Road in Tavarekere, the dead have no names or identities, just token numbers. Here, 41 pyres can be lit at one go. The ashes are then collected in mud urns which are marked with the token numbers for bereaved kin to collect.

A line of ambulances and hearses ensures there is no let up through the day. Grieving relatives of Covid-19 victims jostle to register for cremation at the makeshift reception, which is equipped with a public address system.

When revenue officer Divakar called out a token number over the system around 2.30pm last Wednesday, an ambulance raced towards the shed with cremation beds. It marked the beginning of the second round of cremations. Local tahsildar Shivappa was busy managing ‘essentials’, including firewood and diesel, to burn the bodies.

“We are doing our best to help ease the situation for grieving relatives,” Shivappa said, adding: “We have set up a waiting area and even provide food to those who come to conduct the last rites of their loved ones. But nothing can replace their loss.”

With BBMP introducing an online system to streamline cremations for the convenience of families, many opt for bookings and are given slots. “Operations are smoother after the online system was introduced and ambulances are given timings,” said panchayat development officer Nagaveni, who manages mass cremations. “It reduces waiting time for relatives. Earlier it was on first-come first-served basis. However, we don’t turn away people who come directly with the bodies.”

Though there are 41 pyres, usually bodies are burnt in batches of 20 to contain the heat. Once Divakar calls out all the token numbers of the batch, ambulances reach the burning beds and funeral workers carry the bodies and arrange them in a row. It’s a routine that usually plays out thrice a day. While Wednesday witnessed 59 cremations, the numbers for Thursday were 48, Friday 32 and Saturday 30. May 7 saw the highest number of cremations (84) at the ground, which is the largest among the four mass crematoria in the city.

“After the pyre is lit by relatives, we pour diesel. It takes up to three hours to turn into ashes. Later, the next round is readied,” said Rajanna, a funeral worker from Nelamangala. Workers collect the ashes in mud pots that are marked with token numbers and date of cremation.

Numerous pots can be seen lined up for delivery. Some date back a week or 10 days. “Some families don’t come to collect it. There is a possibility that they have also caught the virus and are in isolation. We store the remains safely till families return to collect them,” said Suresha, another worker.

GRIM PICTURE: The Tavarekere facility saw the highest number of cremations on May 7. (R) Urns with ashes

Now, village accountants to hand over certificates for pvt cremations, burials

Village accountants will issue cremation certificates for Covid-19 patients cremated/ buried in their private land or farmhouses.

As per a government notification on May 18, family members of the deceased should submit form no 4 or 4A , form no 2 and the cremation certificate issued by the village accountant to the jurisdictional registrar”s office for getting a death certificate. Form no 4 will be issued by a medical institution/ healthcare facility along with death report in form no 2 if the death occurs at the facility. If the death happens at home (domicile deaths), a private doctor needs to medically certify it and issue Form 4A, the notification said.