COVID-19: BMC for cremation of bodies, allows burial in big ground

The Mumbai civic body on Monday favoured cremation of the bodies of all those who died due to coronavirus in the city irrespective of their religion, but said burials will be allowed subject to certain conditions.

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) commissioner Praveen Pardeshi issued a circular in this regard but the document was revised later to permit burial if certain conditions are fulfilled like availability of a large site.

Only five persons can attend the funeral of a COVID-19 patient and rituals of touching the body should be avoided, said the circular.

"Rituals involving touching the body should be avoided," it said.

Highlighting the reason for cremation, the circular said existing burial grounds in Mumbai are located in densely populated areas. This increases the chances of contamination in areas nearby.

According to the circular, the procedure of packing the body in plastic bag and burying it prevents its quick composition and entails the risk of further spread of the virus.

"Hence, all the bodies should be cremated to avoid transmission chances in community. Burial should not be allowed, " it said.

The circular also directs BMC officials to communicate this to local leaders, besides asking hospital authorities to inform the local police station before handing over the body for last rites.

The circular also instructs cemetery staff to cremate the bodies using protective gears like masks and gloves.

In the revised circular issued later, the BMC permitted burial within Mumbai only "f the burial grounds are large enough so as not to create possibility of spread of virus in neighbouring areas."
Speaking to PTI, Malik said, "Pardeshi had cited WHO guidelines but there is also a provision of carrying out burials if large plot is available. I told him enough space is available at Kurla burial ground, which can be used."