By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 15: Meghalaya requires cremation pyres at 59 locations.
The state government made this submission before the High Court of Meghalaya through an affidavit. The matter was heard in the court on Monday.
“The affidavit-in-reply filed on behalf of the Government of Meghalaya to the status report was taken on record. The said affidavit has been filed upon consideration of the status report filed by the Amicus Curiae, in which a district-wise and village-wise tabulation of 59 locations where cremation pyres are required is disclosed,” a division bench, comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Hamarsan Singh Thangkhiew, said in an order.
It was stated in the affidavit that the state government has initiated the exercise of verification and reconciliation of sites identified in the status report.
A verification is required to be done in consultation with the community, Deputy Commissioners and Autonomous District Councils. The verification process has already been initiated and it is in progress. After compilation of all the reports, the sites shall be identified for cremation.
The government in its affidavit also stated that the State Level Committee has given priority for identification of land in villages where land availability constraints are being faced and that budgetary proposals have been formulated for extending financial assistance for the construction of cremation pyres at an initial amount of Rs 1 lakh per crematorium.
The State Level Committee has also taken into account that where the overall expenditure exceeds the sanctioned amount, community contribution may be considered as an additional measure.
“The State Level Committee is constantly monitoring the implementation of the direction of this Court, and meetings at regular intervals are being held to ensure that the updated and consolidated reports, including complete data on land availability, infrastructure requirements and funding proposals could be submitted promptly. In view of the progress made by the State Level Committee in this regard, we adjourned this matter till 15.04.2026,” the court said.
It directed the government to file an affidavit disclosing the progress made in the meantime.
