Dhangadhi sub-metropolitan’s free body freezing service supports 556 families in two years

Dhangadhi: Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City in Kailali has assisted 556 families over the past two years through its free body freezing service. The service, launched on November 2, 2001, provides body freezing machines at no cost to help preserve the bodies of deceased individuals until relatives living abroad or far away can arrive for final rites.

Mayor Gopal Hamal said the initiative was introduced to ensure that children working abroad get a final opportunity to see their parents. “Children who have gone abroad to give happiness to their parents do not even get to see their parents' faces. Even if death cannot be avoided, we have started this free service so that they can see their faces at least for the last time,” he said.

Families have increasingly used the free body humidification service to keep bodies safe until distant relatives arrive. After the death of Jang Chaudhary of Ward No. 14, Phulbari, Tole No. 53, the city police provided humidification equipment at his home because his relatives were away for work. The cremation took place two days later when family members returned. Locals said the service made it much easier to preserve Chaudhary’s body. Bishnu Dutta Khadka of Dhangadhi-6 also noted that the body humidification center operated by the sub-metropolitan city has been highly beneficial for grieving families.

The service's use continues to grow, and Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City additionally provides Rs 5,000 to poor families for funeral expenses.

How the service works
The city mobilizes its municipal police around the clock to deliver the service. Residents can contact toll-free numbers 18105000090 and 091-590690 to request assistance. Once notified, the city police transport the body cooling machine via a small truck to the residence and install it. After cremation, the machine is retrieved by the police.

Along with the cooling service, the sub-metropolitan city also transports bodies to the ghat using a hearse, provides Rs 5,000 to permanent residents for funeral costs, and offers a salute to the deceased. To date, the city police have transported 654 bodies to the ghat.

The service, initially launched with two machines, has now expanded to all 19 wards with six machines. The Dhangadhi Municipal Police Force stated that an 85-member team is deployed in three shifts, providing continuous services under the slogan “Every Hour Municipal Police.”