Public shun the ghost houses

KOCHI: Even when the increasing population and shrinking residential spaces make crematoria an important component of the city, they continue to be a taboo for the public.Negligence in maintaining the crematoria coupled with unscientific and environmentally- hazardous disposal of wastes are some reasons that result in the public resistance.“If it is electric crematorium, then the residents are generally open to it.But the smell and the smoke from ordinary crematorium and the negligent disposal of the waste are a problem for the public.The negativity associated with such places is another reason for the resistance,” said environmental and social activist C R Neelakantan.The previous governing body of the Kochi Corporation had drawn up a detailed bylaw on the maintenance of crematoria in the city.“Every year, the corporation allocates `50,000-75,000 for the upkeep of the crematoria but despite this, most of them are not maintained.It is because of this we decided to bring in a regulation for the working of crematoria,” said advocate Sunil Kumar, former chairman of the Town Planning Committee of the Kochi Corporation.As per the bylaw, every crematoria will be supervised by a governing body consisting of divisional councillor, members of various residents’ associations and other notable organisations in the locality.There are detailed guidelines on the positioning of the chimneys, creation of separate vaults to store the ashes, sheds to store the woods, drains to prevent water logging, seating arrangements and platforms to perform the funeral rites.The guidelines specifically looks at maintenance of gardens and sweet-smelling flowers and gardens on the crematoria premises.But, even this bylaw does not recommend electric crematoria despite the fact that they seem to be the most environmental friendly.“We found that electric crematoria are not viable in Kochi.They need a continuous supply of bodies and thus is viable only in cities with a population of more than 40 lakh,” Sunil added.Ramesh Korappath, member of the trust whichmaintains the Ivar Madom Crematorium, says that environmental hazards are often exaggerated..