Shahapur Tribal Hamlet Performs Cremation In Open Field Amid Rain

The lack of basic civic amenities continues to plague several tribal settlements in Shahapur taluka, even 79 years after India's independence. A recent incident in Umbharai village highlights the struggles faced by these communities.

On Tuesday, the last rites of Jayabai Mahadu Wagh, a gram panchayat committee member from Umbharai, were performed in an open field amid heavy rain. Wagh belonged to the Katkari settlement, where residents claim there is no proper cremation ground.

The situation was further complicated by the heavy rain, which began during the cremation. To prevent the funeral pyre from being extinguished, villagers held tarpaulin and plastic sheets over it, managing to complete the last rites while taking shelter under the makeshift cover.

The difficulties had started even before the cremation, as the road connecting the settlement is in extremely poor condition. There was no ambulance access to bring Wagh's body to the village, forcing villagers to carry the body on their shoulders for around 1.5 km through a muddy stretch.

Residents have been demanding a cremation ground in the tribal settlement for nearly two years. Despite assurances from the then-Shahapur tehsildar Parmeshwar Kaluse, the promised facility has still not materialized. The settlement, with a population of around 100, continues to depend on open spaces or riverbanks to perform the last rites of their loved ones.

The lack of cremation facilities is a serious issue affecting more than 250 villages and hamlets across Shahapur taluka. While some areas lack suitable land, others face a shortage of funds and basic infrastructure required to develop cremation grounds. Shahapur taluka has 110 gram panchayats, 227 revenue villages, and 414 villages and hamlets.

In remote areas, the absence of proper roads makes the situation particularly difficult during the monsoon, with villagers sometimes having to cross streams and rivers while carrying bodies to available cremation sites. Residents are demanding immediate action to address the lack of basic amenities in their community.

Keshav Pawar, a resident of the village, emphasized the difficulties faced by the community, stating that there is no proper road and no cremation facility in Katkariwadi. Even during heavy rain, villagers are left with no option but to put up tarpaulin sheets and somehow perform the last rites.

The incident highlights the need for urgent attention to the lack of basic civic amenities in tribal settlements. It is essential for the authorities to take immediate action to address the demands of the residents and provide them with the necessary facilities, including proper cremation grounds and road connectivity.

The struggles faced by the tribal community in Shahapur taluka serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in providing basic amenities to marginalized communities, even 79 years after independence. It is crucial for the government and local authorities to prioritize the needs of these communities and work towards providing them with the necessary infrastructure and facilities to improve their quality of life.