Clean crematorium campaign launched

The initiative, which aims to mobilise volunteers for a cleaner and greener city was inaugurated by M Paranthaman, Zonal Officer, Zone-8, Greater Chennai Corporation. 

Talking about the campaign that will be taking off across crematoriums in the city, AJ Hariharan of the Indian Community Welfare Organisation, said, “We have been maintaining crematoriums in the city for a few years now and have managed to transform it through consistent efforts.” 

Hariharan added that the campaign would be conducted in crematoriums in areas like Kasimedu, Alandur, Valasaravakkam, Puzhuthivakkam and Mugalivakkam. 

Otteri crematorium, which has a woman caretaker Esther Shanthi, is a model crematorium with respect to cleanliness and greenery. “ICWO has taken up the task of maintaining it at a time when it was woefully neglected, unsafe and a hot spot for open defecation by the locals,” he said. 

Hariharan said, “We hope to build partnerships with volunteers and mobilise a large number, as these are huge places.” 

M Paranthaman speaking on the occasion, said, “An average of seven bodies are cremated daily in this burial ground, which has the gasifier technology for cremation of bodies. Indian Community Welfare Organisation is presently maintaining the Otteri burial ground well,” he said. Those willing to volunteer, can contact sfieldmaster2000@gmail.com.