Crematoriums in Chennai to get a makeover

₹6.13 crore has been allocated for the work under the Singara Chennai 2.0 initiative

Major crematoriums in the city are set to get a makeover with better landscape, greenery and modern facilities for giving a dignified farewell to the dead.

Work on modernisation of crematoriums in Mylapore, Arumbakkam, Velachery, Moolakothalam, Otteri, Kasimedu, Chemmenchery, Kannan Colony, Nungambakkam and Besant Nagar will be taken up soon. 

Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner Gagandeep Singh Bedi said more crematoriums would be modernised in other parts of the city, especially in the extended areas by submitting proposals under Singara Chennai 2.0 for beautification of the facilities.

“The State government has allocated ₹6.13 crore for upgradation of crematorium infrastructure under Singara Chennai 2.0 scheme. The State government has sanctioned funds for upgradation of 10 crematoriums across the city. The crematoriums will be converted to LPG-based facility wherever required. About ₹2.61 crore has been allocated for Moolakothalam crematorium near Washermenpet,” said Mr. Bedi.

Residents’ associations have been urging the Corporation to redesign the landscape of the crematoriums and prevent misuse of the space.

S. Kumararaja, vice-president of Annai Indira Nagar Residents’ Welfare Association, said the residents had requested the Corporation to improve the landscape and greenery in the crematorium in Velachery Main Road near Guru Nanak College.