Gandhinagar/Banaskantha (Gujarat): With a massive surge in the number of COVID-19 cases in its second wave, Banaskantha district in Gujarat is witnessing an unprecedented number of deaths. Let alone hospitals, crematoriums too are running in their full capacity across the district.
Keeping in mind the rising demand for firewood to cremate bodies, various social organisations have swung into action to offer help. Incidents of locals donating firewood to Mukti Dham crematorium at Deesa are being reported. Anticipating the demand, the crematorium has stockpiled an ample amount of firewood.
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As a goodwill gesture, firewood traders in Deesa have reduced the price by 5 per cent. They have been charging Rs 90 for 20 kg firewood as against Rs 110 earlier.
Prior to the onslaught of the pandemic, around three cremations used to be performed at the Deesa crematorium every two days. Now, five bodies are being cremated on average every day.
In a silver lining under the dark clouds of the pandemic, it is reported that relatives of those deceased due to the pandemic are allowed to use firewood free of cost. Sources said people donate money as per their capacity and will.
In the crematorium at Sector 30, Gandhinagar, as much as 600 maunds of firewood is used every day, according to the crematorium's manager Jilubha Dhandhal.
It takes 15 maunds of firewood to cremate a body. Firewood is requisitioned through floating a tender. According to Deputy Commissioner of Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation P C Dave, around 55 deaths are reported on average every day. Both crematoriums together use 850 maunds of firewood which translates to 25,000 to 26,000 maunds a month.
With a surge in the number of deaths, the administration has opened new crematoriums.
