India's Capital Is Running Out Of Space For Funerals

Today, Delhi recorded 350 deaths, yesterday it was 357, and 348 the day before that. The average number of Covid deaths in the past week was 304.

With over 350 deaths being recorded every day in recent days, Delhi has less and less space to cremate its dead. So much so that new facilities, even if temporary, sites are being developed to cater to the pandemic's increasing number of victims. Today, Delhi recorded 350 deaths, yesterday it was 357, and 348, the day before that. The average number of COVID-19-related deaths in the past week was 304. At the Sarai Kale Khan cremation site, for instance, around 60-70 dead bodies are being handled every day, thanks to the deadly second wave. The facility, however, has capacity for only 22. Now, at least 100 new platforms are being raised in the green space near it in anticipation of an even higher caseload. "There is a lot of pressure to complete the construction of these new platforms," said a person connected to the facility.Pashupati Mandal, a contractor in charge of raising the new platforms said, "Some 20 of these will be ready by night. Another 80 will come up in some more days."