PANAJI
Even as hospitals in Goa see a surge in Covid-19 cases, the scenes at crematoriums in the coastal state are equally grim, as bodies continue to line up for last rites.
One of the oldest crematoriums in Goa located in Margao had to construct four additional platforms and dedicate three of its existing ones to cater to people who died of Covid.
The century-old crematorium, managed by Mathagramasth Hindu Sabha, opened its doors to Covid casualties after it was found that they were not being entertained by other facilities.
"We opened our doors to cremate people who died due to Covid, as we realised that they were not being taken in by others. This was in June last year when the first death was reported," the president of the facility, Bhai Naik told PTI.
The institution is open to cremating Covid patients from all religions, he said.
Last rites of patients are performed between 5 pm to 6 pm every day, Naik said.
"You will see people queuing up with bodies for final rites. The scene is grim," he said.
Considering the rush, the civic-run crematorium at St Inez in Panaji has roped in additional resources.
An official in charge of this facility said the burden has increased manifold, but there is no other option.
"We can't send the bodies back. We conduct the final rites after observing all the necessary standard operating procedures," he said.
