The GHMC has shut down two modern electric crematoria at Amberpet following protests from local residents. The crematoria, constructed by spending crores of rupees, became operational only in February this year. After mounting pressure from residents who complained of foul smell emanating from the crematorium, the civic body has decided to shut down the same. With the closing of the crematoria at Amberpet, only one crematorium is functional in the city.
K. Rajeshwar Rao, founder of Satya Harishchandra Foundation, a voluntary organisation working for the disposal of unclaimed bodies, said, “For the last one week we are not able to cremate bodies at the Amberpet crematoria after strong protests from locals. Bodies are piling up at the morgue. We are now forced to use the only other crematorium at SR Nagar.” Mohan, an Amberpet resident, said, “We didn’t have objection to the setting up of the electric crematorium. But ever since it was opened two months back, we couldn’t bear the foul smell emanating from it.”
GHMC additional commissioner, health and sanitation L. Vandan Kumar said that the smoke exhaust pipe was kept at a very good height and there was little chance of pollution. GHMC has initiated the process of setting up modernised electric crematoria in four places across the city — Amberpet, SR Nagar, Panjagutta and Bansilalpet. Amberpet Crematoria was the first one to be opened. The two other crematoria at Panjagutta and one at Bansilalpet is yet to be completed. The total project cost was pegged at Rs 6 crore.