Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 29 (PTI) The Kerala government isgearing up to switch over to gas-operated crematoriums inplace of the existing electric-powered ones in public areas,as they are eco-friendly and cost-effective.
According to official sources, the operation ofelectric-powered crematoriums has become very expensive as thepower consumption is high and uninterrupted power supply isinevitable for it to keep the furnace pre-heated to burn thebodies.
At the same time, the eco-friendly gas crematoriums arenot only cost-effective and time-saving but also smoke andsmell-free, they said.
Suchitwa Mission, the state nodal agency for sanitation,is entrusted with the designing and technical support for theconstruction of LPG-powered crematoriums at the localself-government level.
On the implementation of the project, Suchitwa MissionDirector (Operations) C V Joy said the gas crematorium projectwould be implemented with the support of Kerala InfrastructureInvestment Fund Board (KIIFB), the state government's specialpurpose vehicle.
A total of Rs 110 crore was sanctioned by the governmentfor the initiative, he said.
"We are planning to set up gas crematoriums in placeswhere the respective local self-government institutions findplace for the same," Joy told PTI.
"We have already finalised 15 locations in this regard.
We hope the facility can be set up in at least 200locations in civic bodies under the prescribed budget," hesaid.
Detailing the design of the new crematorium, the officialsaid their objective is to create a place which does not feellike a conventional crematorium.
"The design will be varied according to the availabilityof the place.. If we get adequate space, we are planning toinclude car parking area, air-conditioned resting room for therelatives of the deceased, special zone for rituals to performand landscaping besides the furnace," he said.
A beautiful garden is planned adjacent to all such newcrematoriums, he added.
Dwelling on the cost involved in setting up thecrematoriums, Joy said, around Rs 60 lakh to Rs 1.50 crore isrequired for the construction of each gas crematorium with theabove mentioned facilities.
To get a suitable place is the most challenging task insetting up crematoriums in the state, he said adding that thechanging concept of crematoriums is expected to reduce theopposition from locals.
"Though electric crematoriums are common now-a-days, itis not at feasible to operate in the present circumstance..
Interruption of power supply and voltage fluctuation aremaking its operation difficult in many places.," he said.
Hefty electricity bills is also another major cause ofworry, the official added.
The LPG-powered crematoriums are moreenvironment-friendly compared to electric ones.
"No smoke or smell will come out during or after theburning of bodies in it.. The entire cremation will becompleted within two hours.. Relatives can collect ashes orbones within a short span of time," the Director added.
The Mission would hand over the crematoriums to therespective local self-government institution for operationand maintenance after completion.
Mobile LPG crematoriums are fast replacing traditionalfirewood method as it requires only minimum space. PTI LGK JRKROH.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.