Inordinate delay in repairing the modern crematorium at the burial ground in M.K.B Nagar in Vysarpadi is a cause for worry for residents of the neighbourhood.
Those taking the Satyamurthy Nagar Main Road, which connects several neighbourhoods, say it a health hazard for thousands of residents there.
“Corporation officials have not acted on the complaints to restart the gasifier crematorium at the burial ground,” said N. Venketash, a resident of M.K.B. Nagar.
Corporation officials said that the burial ground at M.K.B Nagar was one of 10 such grounds taken up for modernisation.
The others are at Anna Nagar, Mylapore, Besant Nagar, Kannamapet, Krishnampet, Otteri, Kasimedu, G.K.M. colony in Villivakkam and West Jones Road in Saidapet.
As per the plan, each burial ground will have an elevated green structure, approximately 15 feet high, with roof cut-outs to allow natural light to filter in. The top portion of the structure, meant to be cut off from the neighbourhood, will have a 1.5-ft high green cover. Separate toilets for men and women, a waiting hall, mandapam, an amphitheatre, multi-purpose ritual hall, parking lots, an office, a cafeteria and two modern gasifiers with chimney stacks.
A 20-ft high water cascade to allow ashes to be immersed has been planned. Death certificates are likely to be issued from the front office at the burial ground. Two entry points, one with a ramp to allow the hearse to move on to the ceremony hall and also help the physically-challenged walk in easily and the other for the funeral procession to reach the hall, have been planned.
“Most of the components of the projects were not implemented due to contractual problems and financial difficulties. The crematorium at M.K.B Nagar remains in disuse as the stretch where the bodies are burnt is in disrepair. We have asked the private contractor to repair it soon,” said a Corporation official.
