Human waste, dried leaves, tattered cloth, broken pots and also human bodies are at the Corporation burial ground in Singanallur. It is on the Trichy Road, abutting the gasifier crematorium.
The burial ground has been in a very bad shape for close to two years now, says Ward 61 Councillor S.M. Samy. “The reason for deterioration in the ground's condition is lack of maintenance. It is full of bushes. And there's limited space available to bury bodies on the one-acre premises.”
The DMK Councillor says that during his stint (2006-11) as Chairman of the East Zone he had ordered cleaning the premises but thereafter things had turned worse. In the present condition it is difficult for people to give a decent burial to the dead.
The burial ground serves residents of Singanallur, Ondipudur, Nandha Nagar, Weavers Colony and those in Wards 61, 62, 63 and 64.
The absence of a gate and security personnel has led to such a situation, points out S. Kandhavelan of Athma Arakkattalai. His organisation is into burying unclaimed bodies. “If only the Corporation had fixed gate and posted a security personnel there, things would not have turned for the worse. Such a move would also have prevented the occurrence of many an unlawful activity.”
B. Bannari, the undertaker at the ground, says given the illegal activities there it is difficult for him to maintain vigil. He shows liquor bottles and torn bedding to indicate the unlawful activities that go on at the sheds meant for performing last rites and tonsuring head.
The poor, unhealthy ground condition has impacted his income as well. “People are not ready to take the dead, because of which I stand to lose,” he laments.
Water connection
Mr. Kandhavelan says that the Arakkattalai is ready to maintain the ground, provided the Corporation cleans and hands over the ground. He also wants the Corporation to repair the lights and provide water connection.
Commissioner T.K. Ponnusamy says that he will look into the issue, clean the ground and ensure that the premises is not used for illegal activities.
