SHILLONG, JUL 15: The Meghalaya High Court on Wednesday noted that 46 sites have been identified across four districts for the construction of crematoriums in the state, with funds already released to district administrations for the same.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W Diengdoh was hearing PIL filed by Seng Khasi Hima Crematorium.
Submitting a report pursuant to the court’s June 3 order, Additional Advocate General K Khan informed the bench that out of 60 proposed sites, identification and sanction has been completed for 34 sites in East Khasi Hills, 3 in Eastern West Khasi Hills, and all 6 and 3 sites respectively in Ri-Bhoi and South West Khasi Hills.
The court was told that ₹1 lakh has been sanctioned and released for each identified site, amounting to ₹34 lakh for East Khasi Hills, ₹3 lakh for Eastern West Khasi Hills, ₹6 lakh for Ri-Bhoi and ₹3 lakh for South West Khasi Hills.
The amount is presently lying with the district administrations.
The state also informed that verification of the remaining sites is underway, and six more sites are yet to be identified for setting up additional crematoriums.
On the issue of burial sites, the AAG sought more time to obtain instructions from the government. The court granted the prayer.
The bench directed that the matter be listed again on September 14, 2026 for further consideration.
