Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug 19: Hindu Rashtra Shakti has urged the Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands to take immediate steps for infrastructural and civic improvements at the Junglighat Cremation Ground and its surrounding areas.
In a representation submitted by State President of the organisation, Mr. Rakeshwar Lall, several concerns were highlighted regarding the condition of the approach roads, traffic congestion, sanitation, and lack of basic amenities at the cremation site. The matter was initially raised by local resident Mr. Sekhar Rao of Dairy Farm, whose concerns were endorsed by Hindu Rashtra Shakti and forwarded to the administration.
According to the representation, the road stretch from Island Bakery to Junglighat Truck Stand requires regular maintenance, while the route from Junglighat School to the cremation ground needs urgent repairs to facilitate smooth funeral processions. The organisation also pointed out that the weekly Sunday market along this route causes heavy congestion due to encroachments by vendors, and called for the creation of designated vending zones or stricter enforcement to ensure a clear passage.
Mr. Lall further recommended beautification measures, including the planting of flowering plants along the road from AYUSH Medical to the cremation ground, and urged the administration to address the unhygienic conditions near the ashes immersion point by ensuring regular cleaning and waste management. He also sought widening and safety improvements of the sea-access steps, along with the installation of seating benches and the creation of a small memorial garden to provide comfort and dignity for bereaved families.
“The Junglighat Cremation Ground holds profound spiritual and emotional significance for Islanders. These improvements are not just infrastructural needs but essential measures to uphold cultural values and ensure dignity for the departed,” Mr. Lall said in his appeal.
The representation has requested the Lt. Governor’s intervention and necessary directions to the concerned departments, including APWD and SVMC, for the timely execution of these civic improvements.
