Grama panchayats will enjoy more liberalised terms from the State government to set up modern gas crematoriums in place of conventional ones. As per new norms, two or three grama panchayats can come together to find a common spot and set up a crematorium utilising State aid.
Minister for Panchayats and Social Justice M.K. Muneer says the project will bring forth a sweeping change in crematoriums’ looks. The premises will have gardens and other amenities, he adds.
The plan of the government is to set up 24 such crematoriums across the State this fiscal. All will be gas crematoriums and can be operated at affordable rates. The government hopes that smokeless gas crematoriums will not invite opposition from the public.
Dr. Muneer says the first gas crematorium in Kozhikode district will come up in the Balussery Assembly constituency. “We have already held discussions with Balussery MLA Purushan Kadalundi,” he adds. The grama panchayats joining hands for the project can come up with their own projects to beautify the chosen area.
The government is keen on gas crematoriums as they bring down the expenses of cremation and can be set up on a small area. Also the low emission and the short time taken to burn the bodies make them more efficient than other available alternatives.
Currently, many grama panchayats in the district do not have sufficient facilities for public cremation. The main reason, official sources say, is public opposition.
Smokeless crematoriums bring down cost
Not much time taken to burn bodies
