When those living in and around the coastal areas of Uttan near Bhayandar are subjected to inadequate and substandard civic amenities every day, it is hardly surprising that the dead are treated with contempt in their final tryst with destiny as well by the local civic administration and the ruling governance.
The lone Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC)-run Hindu crematorium located in Bhatodi Bunder not only paints a sorry of utter neglect and apathy, but has also fallen victim to illegal encroachments and thefts.
Leave aside a decent funeral to the departed soul, the pathetic condition of the crematorium also comes as a rude shock to those coming to bid farewell to their near and dear ones.
While the pathways leading to the funeral pyres are illegally occupied by people for weaving fishing nets, the premises turns into a safe haven for junkies and drunkards, say locals who have also alleged that there have been instances when the firewood have been stolen from the godown which remains unlocked and unguarded most of the time.
Two years ago, the then municipal commissioner, Dr. Naresh Gite had weeded out the illegalities to ensure proper discipline and enhanced facilities. However, after a brief stint of normalcy, the situation turned from bad to worse.
Repeated pleas and complaints by local residents and office bearers of the Hindu Samaj Sanstha has gone to the deaf ears of the higher ups in Public Works Department (PWD) of the MBMC and the local police department.