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.

The Hindu 22.01.2010

Two pet clinics of Corporation opened

Staff Reporter

CHENNAI: Two pet clinics set up by the Chennai Corporation for the treatment and counselling of pet animals were opened on Thursday.

Inaugurating the facility in Nungambakkam, Mayor M. Subramanian said while the clinic for south Chennai was on School Road, Nungambakkam, the other facility on Pallavan Salai, Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar would treat animals brought from north Chennai. Pet animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, doves and hens, would be provided free treatment and vaccination in these facilities.

The clinics established at a total cost of Rs.10 lakh, including the equipment, would also operate as a licensing and rehabilitation centre. Residents can also check about adulteration of milk and quality of meat at the centres.

He said there are about two lakh animals in the city, including those bred at home. Earlier, carcasses were dumped in dustbins or thrown into waterways, polluting the environment.

As a prevention measure, Corporation has allotted free burial space at the Mylapore and Moolakothalam crematoria for pets.

In the last three years, the civic body sterilised nearly 70,000 street dogs with the help of three non-governmental organisations. The Corporation also caught 3,948 stray cattle and collected Rs.58.79 lakh fine from the owners during the same period, Mr.Subramanian said.

The pet clinics would issue licence to pet dogs. The fee would be Rs.16.

Corporation Commissioner Rajesh Lakhoni, Deputy Commissioner (Health) B. Jothi Nirmala and opposition floor leader Saidai Ravi participated in the function.