Shailaja More Exposes Shocking Reality of Crematoriums

September 8, 2026 Editor

Leaking roofs, lack of drinking water, poor sanitation and inadequate safety facilities found at crematoriums across Pimpri-Chinchwad

PIMPRI : Serious lapses in providing basic facilities for dignified last rites have come to light in several crematoriums across Pimpri-Chinchwad. A recent inspection by former deputy mayor and corporator Shailaja More revealed poor infrastructure, inadequate sanitation, lack of drinking water, insufficient lighting and safety arrangements at crematoriums in Nigdi, Kiwale, Mamurdi, Chinchwad-Keshavnagar and Dehu Road-Shitalanagar.

The inspection found leaking roofs, poorly maintained toilets, inadequate safety equipment for workers, garbage accumulation and several other civic deficiencies. More expressed displeasure over the municipal administration’s alleged neglect of these basic facilities. Complaints from citizens regarding the poor condition of crematoriums have been increasing. More had recently raised the issue during a general body meeting of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), drawing the administration’s attention to the problems. Dissatisfied with the response, she decided to conduct an on-ground inspection of the facilities. On Tuesday, More visited crematoriums at Nigdi, Kiwale, Mamurdi, Chinchwad-Keshavnagar and Dehu Road-Shitalanagar and interacted with local residents and staff to understand their difficulties. Corporators Dharmapal Tantarapale and Suresh Bhoir were present during the inspections at the respective locations.

Nigdi : Problems ranging from electric furnace to staff facilities

At the Nigdi crematorium, the roof above the electric cremator was reportedly leaking, while the facility lacked a proper security wall. Water was accumulating near the generator and paving blocks were missing at several locations. The facility also lacked urns for storing ashes, while a damaged pipeline, garbage accumulation and a leaking slab were among the other problems observed. A broken window was allowing rainwater to enter the premises. More also pointed out that one of the trolleys used in the electric crematorium posed a risk of the body falling during handling. The water filter was old and there was no proper drinking-water facility. She further raised concerns over the working conditions of employees. Workers who have reportedly served for nearly 26 years are still not permanent and allegedly do not receive adequate salary increments or gratuity benefits. There is also a shortage of staff, while workers have not been provided with proper uniforms, masks and safety kits.

Kiwale : Lack of basic amenities at riverside crematorium

The crematorium at Kiwale was found to lack toilets and changing rooms. There was also a shortage of firewood, inadequate shelter, insufficient lighting and no proper drinking-water facility. The garbage collection vehicle reportedly does not arrive on time. The facility also lacks a proper hall, public-address system, microphone and separate cabin for employees. Overgrown grass and accumulated waste were observed around the premises, raising concerns over public safety. The sheet shed was reportedly in a damaged condition, while paving blocks were absent along the riverbank. The crematorium site is also reportedly located on privately owned land. The area for placing offerings is inadequate, while the temple on the premises remains exposed. The drainage line has allegedly been released into the river. More said it was unfortunate that citizens arriving for last rites were unable to access even basic facilities such as clean toilets and drinking water.

Mamurdi : Crematorium allegedly turning into drinking spot

The Mamurdi crematorium faces a shortage of staff, leaking roofs and inadequate lighting, drinking water and sanitation facilities. A road and bridge pillar reportedly occupy part of the assembly hall area, further reducing the available space. Safety grills have not been installed along the riverside steps, creating a risk for senior citizens. More also alleged that people consume alcohol at the site, particularly because the Ganesh immersion ghat and crematorium are located at the same place. The toilets are reportedly in poor condition and there is a shortage of firewood. The cremation shed is also inadequate, while the access road to the crematorium is narrow, causing inconvenience to families attending last rites. Corporator Dharmapal Tantarapale was present during the inspection.

Chinchwad-Keshavnagar : Citizens forced to bathe in the open

At the Chinchwad-Keshavnagar electric crematorium, paving blocks had reportedly been removed and kept aside. The toilets were non-functional and there was no proper shelter for people waiting during the last rites. The facility also lacked drinking water, a security cabin at the entrance and separate bathrooms for employees. Safety grills were missing along the steps, while garbage had accumulated at several locations. The premises lacked adequate fans and lighting. More noted that citizens were forced to bathe in the open after performing rituals. She demanded separate bathing facilities for men and women and lockers for storing ashes. She also stressed the need for proper registers to record the work carried out by crematorium staff. Corporator Suresh Bhoir was present during the inspection.

Dehu Road-Shitalanagar: Electric cremator shut over pending power bill

The electric cremator at the Dehu Road-Shitalanagar crematorium has reportedly remained non-functional, causing significant inconvenience to citizens. According to More, an outstanding electricity bill of ₹8.50 lakh has resulted in the electric cremator being shut. The crematorium also reportedly lacks adequate staff and security personnel. The situation has triggered concern among citizens, who questioned how the municipal administration can ensure dignified last rites if even essential facilities at crematoriums are not maintained. More questioned the effectiveness of spending crores of rupees on city development if basic civic facilities required by citizens during their most difficult moments cannot be maintained.

‘Problems linked to safety, health and dignity’

More said the issues identified during the inspection were not merely matters of routine maintenance but were directly linked to the safety, health, sanitation and dignity of citizens. She urged the municipal administration to document every problem identified at each crematorium and undertake repairs and provide essential facilities on a time-bound basis.

“The problems found during the inspection of various crematoriums are not merely minor repair issues. They concern the safety, health, sanitation and dignity of citizens. Therefore, the inspection should not remain limited to merely identifying problems. The administration must immediately document the deficiencies at each crematorium and ensure repairs and essential facilities are provided within a fixed timeline.”