Agartala, August 22, 2024 – Due to heavy rainfall, the water level of the Howrah River has been rising since Tuesday. By Wednesday afternoon, the river water had exceeded the danger mark, leading to the inundation of surrounding areas, including the Battala Maha Shamshan (crematorium). As a result, cremation activities at the Battala Maha Shamshan have been halted since 8 pm on Wednesday.
Employees of the Battala Maha Shamshan reported on Thursday that the last cremation took place at 8 pm on Wednesday. Following this, river water gradually started entering the crematorium. Subsequently, two dead bodies were brought on Wednesday night and one on Thursday morning, but they had to be returned. The families were advised to take the bodies to a crematorium in the Pahara area for cremation. The employees also mentioned that the electric furnace used for cremation has been completely submerged, making it impossible to perform cremations until the water level recedes.