Crematorium built at Rs 50 lakh left unused, residents bury bodies on river bank instead

According to locals, the Nandi River banks has been used as a crematorium for decades as there were no government crematoriums in the area. Concerned over the environmental hazards caused due to the burying a large number of bodies, local activists urged the municipality to construct a crematorium that was opened on October 01.

“Since the day the crematorium began its operation, only one dead body was cremated on October 3. The facility has been lying idle,” said an official of Tiruttani Municipality. Social activist Chandramohan from Tiruttani said that the residents of Hanumanthapuram, Kumarakuppam and Amrithapuram were the ones using the river banks to bury the dead.

“Firstly, it is an hazardous to the environment as the area is close to schools, temples and churches. More importantly, the Nandi River is used as a channel to carry water from Poondi Reservoir. Burying a large number of dead bodies will contaminate the water,” he said. He further added the municipality should take serious action against those burying the bodies illegally. “They should be ordered to use the crematorium. Local residents however claimed that they continued to avoid the crematorium as it was not close to their residence. ”Besides, we have been practicing this tradition of burying on the river banks for generations,” said a resident of Hanumanthapuram.

When contacted, the Overseer of Tiruttani Municipality Nellanarayan said that they were trying to spread awareness on using the crematorium with the help of Indian Community Welfare Organisation that was campaigning among the locals on the advantages of a crematorium. He also said that they have warned public that death certificates would not be issued if the deceased is buried in unauthorised areas.

“There is a gradual change in the mindset of the people. We are also erecting up banners and issuing pamphlets. The crematorium should become active soon,” Neelanarayan said.