Police are now asking all shops in the area to shut by 10pm. “No one is allowed to be outside after 10pm till August 31. We are keeping our forces on the ground till all the bodies enter the premises. This way, there will be no chance of infection spreading among the locals,” said an officer. Residents of the area, however, remain anxious.
Lack of public awareness can make things even more difficult, especially during crisis seasons. This compounds logistical problems when government agencies, like our police force, are anyway working against very heavy odds. Sensitisation camps for citizens, especially those living near crematoria, may help.
“The first Covid victim in Bengal was brought here for cremation. We all remember the trouble that ensued. We are just following the ICMR rules,” said a cop from North Port police, saying they wish to continue the model for a few weeks.
KMC had earlier identified the old complex as the second facility for cremation of Covid victims to take the load off the Dhapa crematorium. Cops said another dedicated crematorium at Canning has also helped take the load off Dhapa as bodies from Baruipur and beyond are being sent there.
The KMC health department has adopted several safety measures to ensure that the Nimtolla cremation ghat is not affected. “We have also made separate entries and exits for the two premises to eliminate the risk of infection,” a KMC official said.
