Ashes and grey spring to mind when we think of crematoriums. The Mylapore Crematorium will now bring something brighter to mind. Of course, the ashes and grey will remain - how can they be separated from crematoriums? — but green will be added to them. Lots of green.
The Mylapore Crematorium is receiving a plush lawn, with a fountain in the centre, and a newly-laid walker’s pathway
The crematorium, located on R.K. Salai, is spread over 12 acres, but only half of this land is being utilised to conduct the last rites. The green initiative is being carried out in the unutilised portion.
“The work to improve the facility is going on for a few months. A part of the lawn has been laid. The fountain, expected to have a calming effect on grieving hearts, has been placed but is yet to become functional. The lawn will be lined with plants,” says Baskar, the caretaker of the crematorium.
The facility has a gasifier chamber, burial ground and it still allows the traditional form of funeral, using a pyre.
“As a few other facilities — such as the ones in Besant Nagar and Nungambakkam — don’t allow traditional funerals, many come here. We get around 150 cases a month. Also families of patients, from other regions in the State, who underwent treatment in GH and Royapettah, prefer to cremate their dear ones here, ” he adds. Additionally, an office room for the three staff is going to be built along with a prayer hall and a tank.
A few years ago, the crematorium had two entrances, one had to be permanently shut due to the presence of a slum.
Entry from Ekkambara Pillai Street, Mylapore, is now restricted. The other gate on Kailasapuram Street is also lined up with huts and visitors find it difficult to walk down the narrow lane.
“If the approach road is made better, more people will use the facility,” says a resident.
