All-religion burial ground set up in Bonai

In a  unique initiative, the administration  Bonai sub-division of Sundargarh district has set up an all-religion crematorium and burial ground under one roof which was officially inaugurated on Friday.

Bonai did not officially have a crematorium. Bonei Sub-Collector  Swadha Dev Singh came up  with an  idea of  a crematorium and  burial ground for all religions at Deogaon in Bonei block. When elderly persons of all communities were consulted, this initiative was appreciated  from all sections of  the society.

The construction work began in January and ended in May. Spread  over 7.49 acres of land, the  complex has been set up at a cost of around Rs 31 lakh. Bonei gram panchayat provided Rs 6 lakh. Rs 10 lakh came from the periphery development fund and Rs 15 lakh from the Penguine Trading  Agency as CSR  contribution.

The  entrance  point of  the crematorium is one and it has a scientifically-created cremation point for Hindus alongside burial places for Christians and Muslims. It also has rest sheds and drinking water facilities.

“We wanted this crematorium and burial ground as it would give a message of social and religious  harmony.” said Sub-Collector Swadha Dev Singh.