Mayor A.K. Premajam inaugurated a modern furnace at the West Hill public crematorium of the Kozhikode Corporation here on Saturday.
The newly built two-chamber crematorium comprises air holes and chimney with a height of 18.5 metres. The crematorium was constructed by the Vadakara-based Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS) at a cost of Rs.27.60 lakh.
Prof. Premajam said the civic body had envisaged the project under the People’s Plan in 2011-12. However, the District Planning Committee objected to using funds from People’s Plan and the Corporation had to source from its coffers, she said.
She said that A. Pradeepkumar, MLA, had sanctioned Rs.50 lakh from the MLA fund for landscaping the crematorium premises and setting up seats for those reaching the crematorium to conduct last rites. Steps would be taken to protect a banyan and mango tree in the compound, the Mayor said.
She also said that more furnaces would be constructed after consultations with residents in the vicinity. People from Vadakara and Koyilandy also depended on the West Hill crematorium, she said.
Deputy Mayor P.T. Abdul Latheef presided. Mr. Pradeepkumar was the chief guest. Councillors Anita Rajan, M. Radhakrishnan, K. Muhammedali, P. Kishenchand and T. Sujan, and corporation secretary B.K. Balaraj were present.
