Almost two years have passed since the Tiruchirappalli City Corporation (TCC) constructed a biomass gasifier crematorium at Konakarai in Woraiyur. It has spent about Rs.1 crore for setting up of the gasifier plant. However, no body is burnt still today even as the civic body claims to have opened the crematorium for public use.
If Oyamari grave yard (now referred as Oyamari gasifier crematorium) is served for nearly 50 per cent of residents of Tiruchi, including Gandhi market, Varaganeri, West Chinthamani, East Chinthamani, Palakarai, Irudhayapuram, Sangiliandapuram and residents of in and around East and West Boulevard Roads, grave yard at Konakarai in Woriyur serves the residents of Thillai Nagar, Woraiyur, Puthur, Kumaran Nagar, Ramalinga Nagar, Kambarasampettai, Annamalai Nagar and others. Soon after the successful launch of gasifier crematorium, the residents of Woraiyur also raised voice for establishing a crematorium at Konakarai about four years ago. They organised a number of agitations, demanding modern infrastructure for cremating bodies.
Heeding to the demands, the Tiruchi City Corporation began construction of gasifier crematorium adjacent to the existing grave yard about two and half years ago. It has completed all works of setting up of crematorium about two years ago itself.
However, in spite of protests and repeated memorandums by residents of Woraiyur, the crematorium is yet to be used by the residents for burning bodies.
It is learnt that the Corporation has recently tested the functioning of the crematorium, which was the fourth gasifier crematorium in the city, by burning an unclaimed body. The results were found to be good. The Corporation has put up a board, declaring that the crematorium is opened for public use on August 17. It has fixed Rs.1,500 for burning a body. However, no one has come forward to burn bodies at gasifier crematorium so far, apparently due to the delay over finding suitable firms for operating and maintaining the crematorium. Residents felt that it was unfair on the part of civic body to keep the modern facility remain unused for so long. It should find ways and means to utilise the facility.
When contacted a senior officer of the Tiruchi Corporation told The Hindu that a trust had expressed willingness to operate it. It was under the consideration of the Corporation.
A decision would soon be taken. The crematorium would be utilised to its capacity once the operator was identified.
