Goa Human Rights Commission urges quick action for Bhati crematorium construction

Panaji: The Goa Human Rights Commission on Tuesday recommended to govt to make 1,500sqm available within 60 days to the panchayat of Bhati, Sanguem, for the construction of a crematorium in Congarem-Bhati to “uphold human rights” of the villagers.
The commission found that the panchayat had resolved and proposed the construction of the crematorium on 1,500sqm of land in survey number 8/0 in the village, but the matter was pending with the revenue department.
A resident wrote to the Goa Human Rights Commission stating that the village has 50+ households with a population of around 300 residents and added that the land reserved for burial and cremation has been encroached on by the forest department.
He went to the commission seeking initiation of a survey to demarcate property so that the panchayat can approach govt bodies/NGOs to develop its infrastructure like electricity, roads, fencing, shade, etc., which will be beneficial and in the interest of residents.
The collector, South Goa, told the commission that the land is in possession of the forest department and that forest officials are not allowing people to enter the property for burial.
The director of panchayats told the commission that the panchayat had resolved and proposed the construction of the crematorium on the land by a resolution passed on Jan 15, 2021, and that this proposal was forwarded to the revenue department.