Dhanbad Municipal Corporation (DMC) is left with only one of two hearses, bought at cost of Rs 10 lakh each in 2017, leading to a peculiar crisis for the needy who were promised free access to them in case of bereavements.

One of the hearses is idling for more than six months, awaiting urgent repairs while the other one in operations is in bad shape. Because of poor maintenance, sources in DMC admitted, the seats were loose and coming off. Those who have used the vehicle recently say it is a terribly uncomfortable ride.

Social activist Kumar Madhurendra Singh said those living in adjoining villages of Dhanbad and slums were in desperate need for a hearse. “Many a times they face a lot of difficulty since there is no vehicle to carry the dead. Sometimes, families are forced to use autorickshaws. Some have to carry dead bodies on their shoulders,” said Singh, who is former president of Bartand Chamber of Commerce, a unit of the Federation of Dhanbad Zila Chamber of Commmerce and Industry.

Singh has written to municipal commissioner Satyendra Kumar, asking him to expedite repairs of both the hearses that are meant for the service of the poor.

“Both vehicles were launched with much fanfare in August, 2017 to provide free of cost service to residents of Dhanbad. However, they have been rendered unusable now due to lack of maintenance,” he said.

Apart from the two hearses run by DMC, the Bengali Welfare Society has been running a hears since 2011. The social organisation, however, levies a nominal charge for its use.

DMC transport in-charge Uday Kachhap said one of the two hearses was being repaired. “It will be available for use soon. The repair of second vehicle will also be carried out after the first vehicle is back from repairs,” he said, adding that they did not want to send both hearses for repair together.