Crematoriums at Nigambodh Ghat, Geeta Colony, Wazirabad, and Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi have been closed as a result of severe floods caused by the overflowing Yamuna river, according to Delhi’s Mayor Shelly Oberoi. The unprecedented flood-like scenario not only disrupted normal life in the city but also rendered crematoriums inaccessible, preventing grieving individuals from holding funerals for their loved ones. Despite a slight decrease in water levels after breaking a 45-year record, certain areas of the city still remain submerged.
Rising Water Levels Prompt Crematorium Closures
Mayor Shelly Oberoi took to Twitter to announce the closure of the affected crematoriums, citing the floods as the cause. In light of the closures, she advised the public to consider alternative cremation grounds for funeral arrangements. The water levels in the Yamuna river surpassed the danger mark, reaching 208.66 meters, making it unsafe for cremations to take place in the affected areas.
Impact on Nigambodh Ghat and Geeta Colony Crematoriums
Nigambodh Ghat, a renowned cremation site in Delhi, has been heavily inundated, rendering it nearly inoperable due to the surging river waters. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi issued an advisory urging people to avoid visiting Nigambodh Ghat for performing final rites. Additionally, the Geeta Colony crematorium was also closed due to the rising water levels of the Yamuna river.
Seeking Alternative Cremation Grounds
To address the situation, the civic government of Delhi has urged residents to consider alternative cremation grounds, including those located on Panchkuian Road, Sat Nagar, Punjabi Bagh, Green Park, Dakshinpuri, or preferably within their own areas. This recommendation aims to facilitate funeral arrangements during this challenging period.
Challenges Faced by Grieving Families
As the floodwaters engulfed the crematorium grounds, grieving individuals faced difficulties retrieving the remains of their loved ones after cremation. Distressing images surfaced on social media, showing people performing funeral rites on raised platforms outside Nigambodh Ghat, while the premises and surrounding roads were submerged in floodwaters.
Mayor’s Inspection of Affected Areas and Relief Efforts
Mayor Shelly Oberoi visited devastated regions and aid camps in the city, conducting inspections near the Kashmere Gate and ITO crossroads, accompanied by MCD officials. The Mayor also examined the surrounding territories of the Red Fort, assessing the situation and inquiring about the basic amenities available to individuals in relief camps. Relief camps have already been established at two schools in the Central Zone and the Narela Zone, with more planned as needed.
Traffic Updates and Restrictions
Due to the current flood-like situation, the Lok Adalat scheduled for July 16, 2023, has been rescheduled to July 30, 2023, according to a tweet from Delhi Traffic Police. Furthermore, the excess floodwater has led to the prohibition of all vehicles on Vikas Marg, both carriageways from Laxmi Nagar T-point to A point (ITO) and vice versa. Commuters are advised to avoid this section and consider alternative routes, such as NH 24 through Akshardham-Nizamuddin.
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