In a unique initiative, the administration Bonai sub-division of Sundargarh district has set up an all-religion crematorium and burial ground under one roof which was officially inaugurated on Friday.
Bonai did not officially have a crematorium. Bonei Sub-Collector Swadha Dev Singh came up with an idea of a crematorium and burial ground for all religions at Deogaon in Bonei block. When elderly persons of all communities were consulted, this initiative was appreciated from all sections of the society.
The construction work began in January and ended in May. Spread over 7.49 acres of land, the complex has been set up at a cost of around Rs 31 lakh. Bonei gram panchayat provided Rs 6 lakh. Rs 10 lakh came from the periphery development fund and Rs 15 lakh from the Penguine Trading Agency as CSR contribution.
The entrance point of the crematorium is one and it has a scientifically-created cremation point for Hindus alongside burial places for Christians and Muslims. It also has rest sheds and drinking water facilities.
“We wanted this crematorium and burial ground as it would give a message of social and religious harmony.” said Sub-Collector Swadha Dev Singh.