Lakshmipuram gasifier crematorium awaits public use

Nearly a year after its inauguration, Tambaram City Corporation’s gasifier crematorium in Lakshmipuram, Chromepet, remains unopened for public use.

Residents and activists allege that the authorities have cited the need to conduct a trial run using an unclaimed body before commencing operations, resulting in the delay.

V. Santhanam, senior activist and founder of the People’s Awareness Association, who has submitted multiple representations urging the Corporation to operationalise the facility, said the crematorium would benefit residents of Lakshmipuram as well as neighbouring localities such as Nagappa Nagar, New Colony and Umayalpuram.

“Most unclaimed bodies are handled by non-governmental organisations. To avoid further delay, I wrote to senior doctors at government hospitals requesting that such bodies be handed over to the crematorium after completing the required police formalities,” Santhanam said.