Patna: The Bihar government has launched a statewide survey of cremation grounds across gram panchayats in an effort to document, preserve and develop them into modern “Moksha Dhams”, officials said.
The campaign, being conducted across 8,053 gram panchayats, aims to upgrade rural cremation sites with essential facilities and prevent them from falling prey to encroachment. The government has approved plans to develop a “Mukti Dham” in each panchayat using funds from the 15th Finance Commission.
So far, a survey of 1,125 cremation grounds has been completed across the state. Officials say the exercise is intended to ensure that funeral rites in rural areas can be carried out in a more organised and dignified manner.
Gaya district, long associated with Hindu funeral rituals and considered a city of salvation, has recorded the highest number of surveyed cremation grounds at 294. Other districts with significant progress include Darbhanga with 120 surveyed ghats and Siwan with 100.
Sitamarhi has surveyed 83 cremation grounds and Kaimur 79. East Champaran has completed surveys of 58 sites, Bhojpur 49, West Champaran 40 and Patna 37.
Some districts, however, are lagging behind. Aurangabad has surveyed 26 cremation grounds, while Gopalganj and Samastipur have completed 25 surveys each. Muzaffarpur has reported 20 surveys so far.
Three districts – Banka, Jamui and Khagaria – have not yet surveyed a single cremation ground.
Officials said the survey process is extensive and involves collecting detailed information through a specially designed form. The form records the name of the district, block and panchayat, the type of cremation ground, land ownership details, land records and the total area of the site.
If the cremation ground is located on a riverbank, the name of the river and the specific ghat is also documented. The survey further records the average number of cremations conducted each month, the size of the cremation ground, and the condition of existing facilities.
Information on the availability and condition of sheds, cremation platforms, seating areas, lighting, toilets and approach roads is also being collected. Officials are also noting whether a funeral register is maintained and who is responsible for maintaining cleanliness at the site.
All survey reports are being uploaded to the government’s website to ensure transparency in the process.
Under the proposed development plan, each Mukti Dham will be equipped with two cremation sheds, a boundary wall, solar lighting, toilets and hand pumps. The Panchayati Raj department has also directed authorities to provide death certificate facilities at cremation grounds for the convenience of the public.
The state’s Panchayati Raj minister, Deepak Prakash, said the documentation drive was essential to safeguard cremation grounds from encroachment while ensuring improved facilities for rural communities.
