Patna: Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Friday signed an MoU with Isha Outreach, a unit of the Isha Foundation, for operation and maintenance of the Bans Ghat crematorium for the next five years.Under the agreement, the foundation will oversee electric crematoriums, wood-based cremation systems and public utility services at the site.As part of the five-year arrangement, Isha Outreach will also manage record-keeping, scientific waste disposal and utility payments. Funeral services are proposed to be charged at a nominal fee ranging between Rs 3,500 and Rs 5,000, which may be revised periodically.Families opting for traditional cremation will continue to bear the cost of timber. However, PMC and the foundation plan to promote electric cremation systems in line with environmental standards.The Bans Ghat crematorium was recently upgraded by Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (Buidco) under the Patna Smart City Mission. The revamped facility now includes prayer halls, waiting rooms and water storage infrastructure.Officials said the collaboration is aimed at creating a transparent and modern management system to ensure dignified funeral services and develop a model that could later be replicated in other cities of Bihar.The agreement was signed by city engineer Bindu Rajak and Isha Outreach representative Yuvarajan in the presence of municipal commissioner Yashpal Meena.The move follows a decision by the Patna Smart City Ltd board to transfer the upgraded crematorium facility to PMC for professional management and maintenance.
