Prayagraj division to get 70 new rural cremation sites under Gramin Antyeshti Sthal Yojana; facilities include cremation platforms, toilets, water and bathing areas to ensure dignified last rites.
Government’s Mission to Upgrade Rural Cremation Infrastructure in Prayagraj
The Uttar Pradesh government has approved the construction of 70 rural cremation sites across the Prayagraj division under the Gramin Antyeshti Sthal Yojana, a scheme aimed at providing well-equipped, accessible and hygienic spaces for last rites in villages. The project responds to long-standing problems where rural families had to travel long distances — often to riverbanks — to cremate their dead, imposing time and cost burdens on economically weaker households.
Work is underway across Prayagraj, Kaushambi, Fatehpur and Pratapgarh districts, with Prayagraj district allocated 25 sites — the highest share — and 29 sites already completed in the division. Officials say the total outlay for the 70 sites exceeds ₹17.05 crore, with each cremation site estimated to cost about ₹24.36 lakh. So far, construction is complete at 12 sites in Prayagraj, 6 in Pratapgarh, 7 in Fatehpur and 4 in Kaushambi; work on remaining locations will begin once land issues are resolved.
Each village crematorium will be built on roughly 1,750 sq m and features two cremation platforms, an office, dedicated prayer and peace zones, interlocking flooring, wood storage and essential civic amenities such as toilets, bathing areas and drinking water. The design emphasises dignity, hygiene and convenience for mourners, and aims to remove dependence on riverbank cremations that can be unsafe or inaccessible, especially during dry seasons or floods.
Officials stress that the scheme leverages Gram Panchayat infrastructure funds and intends not only to provide infrastructure for last rites but also to strengthen rural civic services. The plan forms part of a broader statewide target to build 1,000 rural cremation sites during fiscal 2025–26, signalling a major expansion of rural public-utility projects and local governance investment in dignity-of-death measures.
