Smoke from electric crematorium irks colony residents in Tiruchi
The Hindu
Smoke emanating from an electric crematorium situated among residential colonies at Karumandapam in Tiruchi has raised serious health concerns among residents. Residents of Viswas Nagar and other neighbourhoods in the locality complain of having to put up with the smoke coming from the crematorium for around a year now. At least five bodies are cremated daily at the facility, which was opened in 2009.
Smoke emanating from an electric crematorium situated among residential colonies at Karumandapam in Tiruchi has raised serious health concerns among residents.
Residents of Viswas Nagar and other neighbourhoods in the locality complain of having to put up with the smoke coming from the crematorium for around a year now. At least five bodies are cremated daily at the facility, which was opened in 2009.
Smoke and fine ash from the funeral pyres engulf the area, and there is also emission of thick black smoke from the electric crematorium. Strong winds add to the woes as they carry the smoke and dust from the chimney to neighbouring streets.
S. Kumaresan, a resident of Viswas Nagar, say a bad odour emanates from the crematorium for nearly an hour after the bodies are cremated. “The stench has turned intense, and we have been struggling with this for a year now. We fear the health consequences from prolonged inhalation of the smoke.”
According to the residents, the dysfunctional pollution control device lets out toxic smoke into the atmosphere, causing much inconvenience to those living in the vicinity. The 20-metre-tall chimney is supposed to stop smoke from reaching the houses, but half of it escapes through the holes in the building.
“This has not only led to air pollution but has also made the crematorium a source of stench. The issue was taken up with the civic authorities to no avail,” says R. Mohanraj, another resident.
When contacted, a senior Corporation official said the malfunctions were unavoidable as most machinery was over a decade old. “Preparation of a tender notice for the renovation of the facility is under way. We expect to complete the renovation works within a month,” the official added.
Amol Palekar advocates against pre-censorship in films and theatre, urging the government to protect artists' freedom of expression.
BJP legislators demand release of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh, threatening protests and border blockade if demands not met.
Odisha loses 790 elephants in a decade, with electrocution as the leading cause of unnatural deaths.
ASI issues notice to halt construction at Arya Akshobhya Teertha Mutt near Rameshwara temple in Shivamogga.
Madurai High Court orders removal of encroachments along Madurai-Dindigul highway, Corporation and Highways Department officials conduct joint operation.
Maharashtra Congress chief initiates signature campaign for return of ballot papers, sparking nationwide debate on EVMs.
Udupi Deputy Commissioner K. Vidyakumari on Wednesday directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to undertake periodical maintenance of NH66 without giving room for complaints.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw updates Lok Sabha on Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd. shareholding, Goa willing to relinquish.
One dies, eight hospitalised after inhaling HCL fumes at pharma company in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalli district. About 400 litres of HCL leaked from the reactor-cum-receiver tank at Unit-III of the company, which affected nine workers, says Collector. While the condition of six of them is stable, two are on ventilator support. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu directs authorities to provide advanced treatment to the victims. Home Minister Anitha expresses anger over repeated such incidents.
Parents and social workers in Thoothukudi request new Anganwadi buildings due to unsafe conditions in current rental buildings.
Delta districts face heavy rainfall, prompting coordinated efforts to mitigate damages, with NDRF teams deployed for rescue operations.