CHENNAI: The people residing near the gas crematorium in Kancheepuram are experiencing breathing difficulties due to toxic smoke leaking into residential areas due to a faulty chimney system.

The Kancheepuram Corporation has two gas crematoriums at Thayarkulam and Vellaikulam, each comprising a 60-foot-high exhaust chimney designed to release smoke into the sky and prevent pollution at ground level.

However, locals pointed out that the Vellaikulam facility has not been properly maintained. When bodies are cremated, residents say, thick black smoke escapes not through the chimney but from side vents and windows, spreading into nearby homes, streets, and marketplaces.

Senior citizens, children, and patients with respiratory conditions are reportedly affected. The constant exposure to toxic emissions may lead to long-term health risks, lamented the residents.

Dinesh Kumar from the locality said that despite repeated complaints, the municipal authorities have failed to act. Now we have demanded that cremations at the facility should be temporarily stopped until steps are initiated for proper maintenance.

When contacted, an official from the Kancheepuram municipal health department admitted the fault and said we have instructed the contractor to immediately carry out maintenance work. In addition, the height of the crematorium chimney will be increased by 20 feet to ensure proper smoke dispersal, he added.