This e-mail originated from outside of Times Of India And TimesGroup. Exercise caution before you click on any link or open attachments.February 13, 2026Lalmohan PatnaikCuttack: The Orissa High Court has come down heavily on the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) and district administration over the lack of basic amenities at cremation grounds in the city, terming the situation “deplorable”.A two-judge bench of Justices K R Mohapatra and V Narasingh was on Thursday hearing on the issues concerning civic infrastructure at crematoriums which was taken suo motu cognizance earlier by the court/Examining reports filed by the ADM-cum-Nodal Officer (Cuttack), and a joint enquiry conducted by the Tahasildar Sadar and Health Officer the Bench observed : “The report reveals a sorry state of affairs. The insensitivity and apathy of the CMC and the District Administration towards the departed and their grieving relatives is deplorable.” Referring specifically to Sati Chaura crematorium, it said, “It is indeed shocking that basic drinking water facilities are not available in Sati Chaura crematorium and the less said about the toilets the better.”The court noted that Khannagar Samsan lacks proper drinking water and toilets, while Bidanasi crematorium also suffers from similar deficiencies. The CMC informed the court that it maintains five crematoriums — Khannagar, Bidanasi, Satichaura, Kalia Boda and Chahata — while 24 others in the municipal area are managed by trusts, village committees and local bodies, many of which also lack basic facilities.Appearing virtually, CMC commissioner Kirandeep Kaur Sahota told the court that a tender has been floated for the long-term development of Sati Chaura crematorium and that the process is being expedited.The bench, however, directed immediate interim measures. “But until the renovation work as per such tender is taken up, those coming to perform the obsequies cannot be allowed to suffer.” It ordered that 24×7 drinking water be ensured at all crematoriums and that hygienic toilets be provided, including temporary facilities wherever permanent ones are unavailable.Affidavits on compliance are to be filed by March 20, 2026. The matter will be heard next on March 26.Quoting Ernest Becker’s “The Denial of Death,” the court remarked, “A well designed crematorium can be a sanctuary for the grieving offering the solace and peace.”xxx