Samaritans give free wood for cremation

Tribune News Service

Karnal, May 3

To maintain the proper supply of firewood and other goods required for the cremation of the Covid-19 victims, Samaritans have formed a firewood and “samagri” bank to assist the Karnal Municipal Corporation (KMC) to cope with the rush at the Covid-dedicated cremation ground at the Baldi bypass in the city.

Mayor Karnal Renu Bala Gupta, her husband and social activist Brij Gupta, with the help of social activists Ramesh Midha, councillor Ish Gulati and others have taken the initiative of ensuring the supply of firewood, including sandal wood, Ganga Jal, samagri, desi ghee, sugar and other items being used for cremation.

Nearly 4 quintals of firewood is needed for a body’s cremation.

“Since the number of deaths is increasing day by day and the requirement for firewood is increasing, I and my husband, along with other several Samaritans, decided to do our bit in this regard, so we have taken the initiative of providing firewood, samagri, desi ghee and other items at the Covid-dedicated crematorium,” said Renu Bala Gupta, Mayor.

Brij Gupta, social activist, said they had provided sufficient quantity of firewood and other items near the crematorium and the employees on duty had been asked to inform them whenever any item was short. “This service is free of cost and nobody would give money to any person there for these materials,” he added.

“Water bottles have also been provided for the people coming to cremate their loved ones,” he said.

Ramesh Midha, social activist, said it was a time of crisis and no one was prepared for unexpected death in their family due to Covid. They came directly to cremation ground from hospital for the last rites. “In such circumstances when limited family members are allowed and y cannot arrange firewood and samagri, we have decided to ensure everything at the place,” he added.

Vikam Singh, Commissioner, KMC, said the KMC was already cremating the bodies without charging any money from any person. All items, including firewood etc, were arranged by the KMC itself, now the Mayor and other Samaritans have joined hands with them, which will help them cope with the increasing demand of firewood.

“It is a good gesture by the Mayor and other residents of the city,” he said.