Anu Sharma Explores Svalbard: The Island Where You Can't Die or Be Born

In the first episode of her Norway Series, Anu Sharma travels to the remote island of Svalbard, where it is illegal to die or be born. This strange rule is due to the permafrost in the ground, which usually prevents bodies from decaying. As a result, those who pass away in Svalbard must be sent to mainland Norway for their burial, and expectant mothers must leave weeks before their due date to give birth in another city, as the island's only hospital isn't equipped for emergencies, which seems quite challenging for many.

Svalbard's Unique Laws:

Anu's journey begins with a long flight from India, arriving at the island's freezing -5°C temperatures. Svalbard's surreal beauty and unique laws immediately capture her attention. She is greeted by polar bears and distinguishing signboards that mark her arrival in this frozen land. With only a handful of hotels, Anu is taken by shuttle bus to her accommodation, where she connects with fellow travelers and gets ready for her city tour.

Expectant Mothers' Challenge:

One of the central moments of her visit is a stop at Svalbard's lone graveyard, where the bodies remain preserved due to the freezing temperatures. This unusual preservation method means that over the last 70 years, people have had to send bodies to the mainland for proper burial.

Anu also discovers the challenges of living on such an isolated island, where the only hospital lacks the facilities for births or serious emergencies. Anticipatory mothers are required to leave the island weeks in advance to give birth elsewhere.

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Through her visit, Anu gives a fascinating look at the unique challenges and customs of Svalbard, where life and death are inextricably tied to the harsh Arctic environment.

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