In the article "Dignity to the ultimate journey” (Parsiana, March 21-April 6, 2021) you had written about the Hiralal Parekh Parivar Charity Trust’s memorandum of understanding with the Bombay Municipal Corporation. The Trust is developing the Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Worli Smashan Bhumi (crematorium grounds) in central Bombay within which is housed the Prayer Hall where Parsis who opt for cremation can have the four-day funerary prayers performed.
We would like to update readers on our progress. With the pace of civil activities picking up in May 2021, we cast our first slab over the last rites pedestal. In June, work began on slabs over the connecting spine area, the pump room and toilet block. Till the time of writing we have completed more than 23,000 sq ft of grade slab, which amounts to roughly 58% of the total work area. About 16,500 sq ft slab had been cast till mid-June and around 5,000 sq ft shuttering is nearing completion on the cremation pavilion slab.
Above: Work picking up pace at the Worli crematorium
We have also begun some finishing work in addition to the superstructure work. Various mock-ups, including the last rites pedestal were created so we could have a clear picture of the final product. These are now in the process of getting approvals. The chimney of the furnaces is almost ready and will soon be delivered to the site. Brick masonry work has also begun. Drawings for the flooring have been released and the contractor is proceeding with procurement of granite and kota stone. We are also finalizing and procuring electrical and sanitary items.
Work on the pinnacle of the project, the dome over the cremation pavilion, is in progress and the mold shuttering will shortly be reaching the site.
Dr RAMNIK PAREKH, Dr BHARAT PAREKH
Trustees
Hiralal Parekh Parivar Charity Trust
contact@hiralalparekhtrust.org