“If cleanliness is measured by the upkeep of crematoriums in a city, Madurai probably may stand first from the bottom of the score board,” according to environmental activists.
Thathaneri is a classic example of how a crematorium should not be maintained. The entire place is not only unhygienic, but also reflects the lackadaisical attitude of the authorities. “Should the place not be kept clean for the visitors bidding a farewell to their dear ones,” asks V.P. Manikandan, an activist.
Though there is huge space, it is not put to use as it should be, and there are seemai karuvelam trees, which are a breeding ground for all kinds of anti-social activities. During rainy season, the trees are home for pigs and stray dogs. There are also allegations of narcotic substances being sold in the crematorium, he adds.
The best (read worst) part is that sewer enters the crematorium, and the air, which is already unhealthy, turns more unhygienic. The pungent smell discourages visitors to stay there for even 30 minutes, while remains a haven for the anti-socials. Drunken brawls are a common affair inside the area and youngsters (children in the vicinity) are exposed to it, Malaisamy, a resident of Aruldosspuram, near here, said.
Though the Corporation staff at Thathaneri crematorium say there is an over head tank, which provides water for bathing purposes to people performing the last rites, not many use it. Asked about it, a user shares his experience and says the water was green in colour. There were no mugs and the space was too soiled.
As per the suggestion of some workers, a private bathing space opposite the crematorium available on payment was used, he adds.
Additional sheds required
While there are different sheds to cremate the bodies at Thathaneri, not many of the roofs are in proper shape. A month ago, after heavy rainfall in the evening, the roof almost collapsed giving tense moments to relatives who were waiting for the rituals to get completed, says Kumaran, a tender coconut vendor in Thathaneri.
The CSR funds from private industry can be utilised for improving the infrastructure. Through the Tamil Nadu government’s Namakku Naame scheme, outfits can contribute and provide facilities. Also, the public-private partnership (PPP model) may be explored by responsible citizens and voluntary organisations.
A view of Anjali, the gasifier crematorium run by Rotary Club of Madurai Mid Town, at Keeraithurai in Madurai.
| Photo Credit:
R. ASHOK
The facility at Keerathurai, which is managed by Rotary Club, has ample space for parking two and four-wheelers. The crematorium is clean and a notice board displays the amount to be remitted for cremation. There is instrumental music, which is comforting to visitors, Rotarians say.
Isha Foundation has been helping in a big way in Coimbatore for performing the last rites. The crematorium is well-maintained and does not look like one as there is so much greenary, a Madurai-based activist Ravikumar, who recently visited the facility, says .
Similarly, service organisations in Madurai can pitch in to maintain the Thathaneri crematorium in an orderly manner.
A view of the gasifier crematorium run by Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Mattuthavani in Madurai on Sunday.
| Photo Credit:
G. MOORTHY
New crematorium
Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry supported the construction of a new crematorium near Mattuthavani, which is now the most sought after to conduct the last rites. The facility is clean in many aspects.
Donors have raised a small and beautiful green patch inside. Apart from five workers employed in the crematorium on a contract basis, there is an administrator responsible for overall upkeep of the facility, according to Chamber president N. Jagatheesan.
Expressing satisfaction, a worker, however, says they would be happy if they are insured by the sponsors. “We handle different types of bodies, including infected ones, being brought here for performing the last rites and we run a health risk,” he points out.
With ₹13,500 as salary, paying premium for health cover would not be possible, he adds.
There are a few more crematoriums functioning in Keerathurai and Thiruparankundram, but the city should have one or two on the outskirts as it can be used by the public living on the peripheries of Madurai city.
A view of the crematorium at Pasumalai in Madurai.
| Photo Credit:
R. ASHOK
When contacted, Corporation Commissioner Chitra Vijayan said the civic body would welcome an active role from private players in the upkeep of the crematoriums. With funds under corporate social responsibility (CSR), much more could be done for the crematoriums and efficient management by both the civic authorities and the private institutions would benefit the public.
Inspection
Recently, the Commissioner inspected the Thathaneri crematorium and took stock of the requirements. According to officials, the Commissioner instructed the Health department to visit all crematoriums at periodic intervals. From the Sanitary Inspector (SI) to the City Health Officer (CHO), they should conduct inspections and present reports about the requirements.
Instead of visiting them only when there were issues raised by the public, the officials should maintain surveillance and keep the place clean.
CCTV cameras
Installing CCTV cameras and more lights would discourage the anti-socials from assembling in the crematorium at odd hours. Though there is police patrolling, an outpost at Thathaneri crematorium would help prevent crimes.
A fortnight ago, a clash erupted between locals and a group of people, who had come there to perform last rites. Uneasy moments prevailed inside for a long time. The presence of police personnel would instantly silence the noise makers and also prevent untoward incidents, locals said.
During rainy days, the number of bodies cremated are on the higher side at Thathaneri alone. On an average, 20 to 25 bodies are brought here and around 500 to 1,000 people stayed from morning till late evening. Theft of vehicles (two-wheelers) are also reported, but due to the absence of CCTV cameras, there is delay in tracing the bike lifters.
Madurai City Police have said that all police stations that have crematoriums falling under their jurisidiction have been instructed to patrol them every two hours daily to ensure that there are no untoward incidents. Bodies, especially that are accompanied by huge crowds are watched. However, there seems to be a lot of grievances against the authorities.
Recently, a police officer said he caught a habitual offender hiding in Thathaneri crematorium in a special operation as he was wanted in several crimes including a NBW (non bailable warrant) case. The activists also want the custodians of law to book cases against people bursting crackers and hurling garlands en route to the crematoriums.
