Argus News - Swargadwar Struggling to Keep Up with Rush! Cremation Resource Shortage Sparks Concerns

Puri, Dec 17: A record‑breaking number of bodies arriving at Puri Swargadwar has raised serious concerns about the availability of essential resources required for cremation.

On the 15th of this month, Swargadwar received 136 bodies in a single day, the highest ever recorded in its history. The unusually high number has put immense pressure on the cremation infrastructure and the supply of firewood.

Under the government’s Harischandra Yojana, each cremation requires approximately 1.80 quintals of firewood. With the daily number of bodies increasing, the demand for firewood has risen sharply.

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Officials and workers at Swargadwar have expressed concern that the current supply may not be sufficient if the trend continues. Shortages have already been observed on several days, leading to delays in performing last rites.

Apart from firewood, the rising number of bodies has also created a shortage of cremation platforms (known as pindis). Swargadwar currently has 28 pindis, but with the daily arrival of bodies increasing significantly, families are often forced to wait for long hours before cremation can begin. This has caused distress among grieving families who expect timely completion of rituals.

Local authorities are monitoring the situation, but the sudden surge in deaths has highlighted the need for expanded infrastructure and better resource planning.

The situation has also sparked discussions about the reasons behind the unusually high number of bodies arriving at Swargadwar. While officials have not yet provided a detailed explanation, the trend has drawn public attention and concern.

As Puri’s Swargadwar continues to serve as one of the most important cremation grounds in Odisha, the rising pressure on its facilities underscores the urgent need for upgrades to handle the growing demand with dignity and efficiency.