Kozhikode Corporation’s renovated crematorium to be officially opened

Newly renovated crematorium in Kozhikode with modern facilities, live streaming, and annual maintenance fund, set to open in January.

The renovated crematorium, ‘Smrithipatham,’ on Mavoor Road in Kozhikode, will be officially opened in the first week of January. It was temporarily opened on Thursday for the cremation of writer M.T. Vasudevan Nair.

The crematorium, renovated at a cost of around ₹6 crore using the MLA’s local development fund and Corporation funds, includes four gas furnaces, one electric furnace, and two traditional furnaces. It is equipped with complete CCTV surveillance and a 24-hour kiosk for providing funeral materials. Other facilities include a locker for ashes, space for funeral rituals, a condolence meeting hall, an office, and restrooms.

Another feature of the crematorium is the facility to conduct live streaming of funerals. The renovation also included beautification of the premises.

Smrithipatham will be managed by a committee chaired by the Mayor, with an annual maintenance fund allocated for it. The company that installed the furnaces and machines will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the crematorium. Cremation charges will be set by the Corporation.

The committee is yet to be formed. However, around 10 employees, including gardeners and cleaning workers, have already been appointed and are undergoing training. The Corporation has also appointed a full-time health inspector at the crematorium.