Mon Jan 13 13:57:03 UTC 2025: ## Thirunallar Residents Demand Modernization of Aging Cremation Ground
**Karaikal, January 13, 2025** – Residents of Thirunallar, Karaikal, are calling on the district administration to upgrade their decades-old cremation ground to an electric crematorium, citing inadequate facilities and significant health concerns.
The existing crematorium, built in 1956, serves over 15,000 residents but struggles to meet the needs of a growing population. Its current capacity of only two bodies at a time leads to delays, and its outdated infrastructure requires urgent renovation.
The situation has worsened due to increased residential development around the crematorium. Nearby residents in areas like T.S. Nagar and Indira Nagar are now directly impacted by smoke and odor from cremations, particularly during late-night and early-morning services. This has prompted complaints from residents like A. Rajan, who described the smoke entering homes as a major disruption to their lives.
The crematorium’s location on a busy road, Vadakku Pura Vazhi Salai, used by pilgrims visiting the Thirunallar temple, further exacerbates the problem. The limited space near the crematorium is often used for parking, particularly on Saturdays, adding to the congestion.
Pon. Panneerselvam, general secretary of the Thirunallar Town Development Society, has formally petitioned the district administration for modernization. He argues that converting to an electric crematorium would address both the infrastructural deficiencies and the health concerns of the community.
A senior district administration official has acknowledged the residents’ concerns and pledged to investigate the matter.
First Piper 