Crematoriums that run on LPG in several urban local bodies across the state are currently managing with available stock. However, elected representatives and officials said they may face acute problems if the situation persists into the coming week.
Officials said that if the shortage continues, some LPG-based crematoriums could be operated using firewood. However, they cautioned that firewood-based operations may not be able to handle the current level of demand in most places and the public may have to be directed to use electric crematoriums.
M Jagadeesan, City Health Officer of the Greater Chennai Corporation, said the city has around 55 LPG-based crematoriums. So far, none of their operations have been affected as adequate gas stocks have been ensured, he said.
Deputy Mayor M Magesh Kumaar said, “The crematoriums run by the corporation are being operated and maintained through a public-private partnership. Currently, LPG stock sufficient for 10 to 15 days is available, and we have also requested additional supply.”
Meanwhile, a few councillors from North Chennai said many LPG gasifier crematoriums operate in the Thiruvottiyur, Manali and Madhavaram zones. If the supply disruption continues for a prolonged period, it could lead to problems for the public, they said.
Officials in the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation said the 11 gas-based crematoriums operated by the civic body have LPG supply only for another two to three days.
Tambaram City Municipal Corporation (TCMC) Commissioner S Balachander said civic facilities within the corporation limits, including seven crematoriums, currently have LPG stock that would last for about 10 days.
“We have arrangements with seven gas agencies for supply,” he said, adding that the corporation has written to them to ensure uninterrupted supply as crematorium services are essential.
Vellore City Health Officer Prathap Kumar said there has been little impact on the two crematoriums run by the corporation at Velapadi and Katpadi Road.
“The two crematoriums in Vellore can run on either LPG or firewood. So it is not a worrying situation even if we face a gas shortage,” he said.
In Tiruvannamalai, the municipal crematorium has around 16 LPG cylinders in stock as of Wednesday morning, which officials said would last for about a week.
In Ranipet, officials said there has been no impact as all crematoriums are electric. In Tirupattur, the only municipal crematorium has sufficient gas stock to last for about a month, according to sources.
(With inputs from Praveena SA @ Chennai, Aravind Raj @ Coimbatore, S Kumaresan @ Tambaram and @Nimisha Pradeep @ Vellore)