Coimbatore City police have resolved an issue involving the construction of a crematorium near Athupalam and brought about peace among two communities.
The issued involved the construction of a modern crematorium at N.P. Itteri – the place that had served as a traditional crematorium for the Gujarati community for over 100 years. Kuniamuthur Station Inspector P. Rabi Sujin Jose, who handled the issue, said when the Gujarati community members began the construction about six months ago, the residents of the area turned restive. The residents’ objected saying that the crematorium would pollute the area.
The opposing parties started involving their community leaders and organisations and there was every possibility that the issue could snowball and assume a communal angle.
One of the parties also petitioned the district administration in this regard.
The police, Mr. Jose said, swung into action and called the two groups for discussion. After three rounds of discussions and intervention from senior leaders, the two sides agreed to decisions, which include throwing open the gasifier crematorium for people from all communities and religions, increasing by three feet the height of the compound on all sides and initiating measures for zero pollution.
Mr. Jose said that involving technical people, the Gujarati community explained that since the gas emanating from the 100-foot chimney would be lighter than air, it will only go up and not settle down on the area.
Convinced about the explanations offered, the residents have agreed to drop their opposition. And the Gujarati community will soon resume construction in the over Rs. 1 crore project.
