As the increasing death toll due to the corona pandemic has led to a shortage of space in the crematorium in several parts of the country, the Army has activated a cell to ensure decent last rites to its serving and retired personnel succumbing to the pandemic.
There are more than 65 military stations all over the country and the army has an Assured Decent Last Rites scheme. Every station or cantonment has funds and set up for this scheme. It comprises receiving the body from the airport, transportation from there to the fallen soldier’s native place and funds for the family to conduct the last rituals.
Giving details about it, sources said here on Monday the special cell was set up recently at the Delhi Cantonment to ensure honorable and dignified last rites to personnel dying due to the pandemic.
The need for such a cell was felt after the onset of the second wave of corona and the rising death toll. It resulted in an unprecedented rush at the crematorium.
The Army cell ensures hassle-free process at its cremation centre at Brar Square in Delhi Cantonment, they said. Similar procedures will be followed at the other stations for veterans and their dependents, they said.
Moreover, the army has deployed more personnel apart from hiring hearse vans to ensure that families are provided full support, they said.
In cases where it is not possible to move the mortal remains to Brar Square, necessary coordination is being done with the state or district administration to ensure proper last rites. Also, in case there is no family member around to handle the last rites, the Army will do so..
They also clarified that the last rites are performed with proper Covid-19 protocols as well as Army traditions. The soldiers engaged in this duty are provided with PPE kits as per the standard operating procedure. All precautions are also taken while placing wreaths, they said.