Scattering (Inland @ Garden of Peace)

The National Environment Agency (NEA) has introduced Inland Ash Scattering (IAS) as an additional option for the management of cremated ashes in Singapore, beyond the current options of storing in columbaria niches, storing at home, or scattering at sea. Garden of Peace

The Garden of Peace is the first of two government-managed ash-scattering facilities and is designed as an open garden setting.

Designated lanes for the scattering of cremated ashes are spaciously laid out, with trees and hedges between the lanes to accord families privacy, and to provide a respectful and dignified environment for the ash scattering process.

The designated ash scattering lanes, lined with a bed of pebbles, allow the ashes to percolate into the soil beneath.  Families can gather, view, and take part in the scattering of ashes in a respectful and dignified manner, within a serene and tranquil garden setting. 

Process:

1. Advise your preferred date and time for the scattering.

2. We will assist in booking an IAS session with NEA.

3. After booking confirmation, we will inform you of the ash collection timing to meet on the scattering date.

*Alternatively, we may collect the ashes on your behalf and meet you at the Garden of Peace directly. *

4. On the day of ash collection, NEA staff will help to process the cremated remains into fine, powder ashes.

The ashes will be placed in a one-time-use canister.

5. After ash collection, we will proceed to the Garden of Peace.

*You can use the prayer facility located outside the North Gate to conduct funeral rites before proceeding into the Garden of Peace to scatter the fine ashes onto the pebbles in the scattering lane.*

Ash Collection process:

• Meet us at Mandai Ash Collection Centre

• Proceed to NEA counter to verify the cremated remains before the NEA staff brings to their back office to pulverise to fine ash

• Receive pulverised ashes from NEA officer and proceed to private room to transfer into Black Scattering Tube

• After ash collection head over to Garden Of Peace for scattering

Map:

Ash scattering at GOP:

NEA-MFPD-ECD-SE-ADV-CIR-24-00004

8 August 2024

Dear Funeral Directors and Funeral Services Providers,

We refer to the inland ash scattering (IAS) facility at Garden of Peace (GOP) at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery. The IAS facility is an additional option for the public to manage cremated ashes of their loved ones. After cremated ashes are turned into fine ashes in powder form, the fine ashes can be scattered at the lanes within the GOP.

2 Since its introduction, there has been increasing demand for IAS. The number of applications rose from about 900 in 2021 to about 2,000 in 2023. Over time, the fine ashes accumulate in the scattering lanes, which have limited capacity.

3 As scattered ashes accumulate over time and the lanes become full, it is necessary to transfer ash soil from the IAS lanes to another part of the Garden of Peace so that others can continue to use the ash scattering lanes.

4 Works at the lanes will be taking place in phases, with affected lanes temporarily closed for a three-month rest period prior to commencing each round of ash soil transfer works. Meanwhile, members of the public can continue to access and use other lanes. For public safety, visitors are reminded to keep out of the closed off areas.

5 We seek your assistance to convey to the applicants of IAS, including the next-of-kin, that the scattered ashes in the IAS lanes will be eventually transferred to another part of the Garden as they accumulate over time. This is also stated in the terms and conditions/rules and regulations of scattering of ashes at GOP.

6 Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any further assistance.