Disposal at Doongerwadi

Our dakhmas are intended to facilitate returning a dead body to the same ele­ments of nature from which the person - when alive -drew sustenance. This is in keeping with our inherent respect for nature.

The function of vultures in this pro­cess is incidental, and not central. In ancient Iran, the dead bodies were left atop an isolated hill, where many scav­enging creatures other than vultures also helped consume them. There is nothing intrinsically pious about being consumed exclusively by vultures.

In the absence of vultures now, and the resultant problem of human bod­ies being left to rot, why don't we introduce other scavenging creatures at Doongerwadi, like crocodiles, hy­enas, mongoose and so on? Or even piranha fish, if we can adapt to the thought of submerging the dead un­derwater in a dakhma converted into a water-tank? The lush environment is suitable for adapting to such a solu­tion, and with minor modifications, the animals can be securely kept on the far side of a safety barrier. The benefits of this will be:

•Adherence to our principle of return­ing our dead body to nature;

•Not generating any controversy about burning the dead body or desecrating fire;

•No pollution, nuisance or creating un­hygienic condition;

•Quick and efficient disposal; oEncouraging wildlife;

•Justifying the use of the vast lands we have at Doongerwadi.

PHIROZE B. JAVEZ