The Hindu 22.01.2010
Gasifier crematorium commissioned
— Photo: S. James 
New facility: G. Thenmozhi, Mayor, inaugurating the crematorium at Moolakkarai in Madurai.
MADURAI: Anjali, the modern gasifier crematorium constructed by the Madurai Corporation at Moolakarai, was commissioned on Tuesday. The Rs. 2.80 crore facility would be maintained by the Rotary Club of Madurai Mid Town for ten years.
Speaking on the occasion, the Corporation Commissioner, S. Sebastine, said that the nice ambience on the 2.70 acre land with lawn and artificial fountains was a relief for people who attend funerals in conventional crematoriums which were with wild growth. The crematorium has a meditation hall, ritual hall and bathrooms.
The fee for cremation is Rs. 1,350 which includes ambulance service with freezer box facility. People can call 2090900 to book the ambulance. The relatives should produce a certificate from a medical officer certifying the cause of death. Bodies from even outside the Corporation limits could be cremated here. But, an additional conveyance charge of Rs. 5 a km. beyond 10 km. has to be paid. Death certificate would be issued immediately after the cremation.
Corporation Chief Engineer, K. Sakthivel, said the 100-foot-high chimney would ensure that the facility would not pollute the surroundings. The crematorium has got clearance from Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board.
Mayor, G. Thenmozhi, urged the Rotarians to maintain the facility well. Deputy Mayor, P.M. Mannan, and the East zone Chairman, V.K. Gurusamy, wanted the administration to do away with exclusive cremations for different castes at Thathaneri cremation yard.
The president of Rotary Club of Madurai Mid-Town, K. Rama Bharathi, said that people could also use webcasting facility on payment to enable friends and relatives living in far off places watch the funeral proceedings.
