Arunachal: Veteran BJP leader demands urgent action on Itanagar cremation facility

Veteran Arunachal BJP leader and former Advisor to the Chief Minister, Tai Tagak, on August 30, took part in a Swachh Abhiyan, jungle clearance, and tree plantation drive at the Burial-cum-Cremation ground (Samsaan Ghat) at Chimpu, Itanagar. The programme was organised by the Arunachal Life Saving Foundation (ALSF), led by Ramesh Jeke.
 

The drive was necessitated after the ground turned into an overgrown jungle due to monsoon rains, making it almost inaccessible. Shockingly, during clearance work, several half-decomposed bodies were found lying exposed as earlier burial attempts had been disrupted, leading to foul smell and unhygienic conditions. Relatives of the deceased were reportedly unable to find proper space to conduct burials, with many even forced to go to Laluk in neighbouring Assam for cremation.
 

Calling the situation “shameful for the state,” Tagak expressed deep regret that the state capital region continues to lack a proper burial-cum-cremation facility even after 50 years of statehood. He urged the concerned departments and agencies, including the relevant ministry, to treat the issue as a priority since burial and cremation facilities are part of essential services.
 

He further stressed the immediate operationalisation of the electric cremation facility at Chimpu, which remains half-finished. “The concerned agencies must expedite the process, and the Secretary should conduct a site verification to examine the ground situation,” he said, questioning the utilisation of funds already allocated for the project.
 

Applauding the voluntary efforts of ALSF, Tagak lauded their humanitarian services such as blood donation camps, rescue and rehabilitation of destitute elderly persons, and cremation of unclaimed bodies. He urged the government to provide basic financial support to sustain such rare acts of selfless service.
 

It may be recalled that Tagak had visited the site earlier on July 1, 2023, as Advisor to the chief minister, when initial steps were initiated for improvement. However, except for partial work on the link road, no major progress has been made since then.
 

During the programme, Tagak also interacted with grieving families who narrated the hardships they faced in conducting burials. In one instance, relatives were forced to cremate three bodies—including a pet dog—due to the lack of space and proper facilities.
 

Reiterating his appeal, Tagak said, “It is our basic responsibility to the public to provide dignified burial and cremation facilities. The government must act urgently to resolve this long-neglected issue.”