Kotpad: Two machines were installed for cremation purposes at the Karan Samaj and Brahmin Samaj cremation grounds in Kotpad town during the tenure of the previous government. Nearly ₹80 lakhs was spent on each machine by the government.
However, even after more than a year, neither of the machines has been put to use. Due to prolonged exposure to rain and heat, the machines are now deteriorating.
There is no clear information available regarding which scheme funded the machines or from which agency they were procured. Although former Executive Officer Alok Ranjan Samantaray had stated that nearly ₹80 lakhs was spent on one machine, no municipal councilor or chairman is willing to speak about their usage or status. As a result, public dissatisfaction is rising.
When contacted, the NAC (Notified Area Council) Chairman clarified that the machines were installed during the previous government’s rule and the contractor was paid for installation. He added that the NAC did not provide any grants nor did the State Scheduled Caste Corporation (SSC) play any role in the matter.
Now, questions are being raised as to why the machines are still non-operational despite such heavy expenditure. The public is demanding that the administration take immediate steps to address the issue.