Fri May 16 18:50:17 IST 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten version as a news article:

**Summary:**

Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Transport and Electricity, S.S. Sivashankar, inspected power restoration efforts at an electric crematorium in Sindhupoondurai after a sudden downpour caused a power disruption, temporarily halting cremations. The disruption was due to uprooted electric poles. The Minister assured the public that power was restored quickly, and bodies were cremated by 8 p.m. He also addressed concerns about the defunct generator at the crematorium, staffing shortages at Tangedco (Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation), the state’s power supply situation, and the delayed implementation of monthly power billing as promised by the DMK.
**News Article:**

**Power Outage Disrupts Cremations in Tirunelveli; Minister Assures Swift Restoration**

**Tirunelveli, May 16, 2025** – A sudden downpour and strong winds led to a power disruption at the Corporation’s gasifier crematorium in Sindhupoondurai on Thursday evening, temporarily halting cremation services. The incident prompted an inspection by Minister for Transport and Electricity, S.S. Sivashankar, who met with officials from Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) to assess the situation.

The heavy rains and winds uprooted electric poles in Tirunelveli Junction and Thatchanallur areas, causing widespread power outages. While two bodies were cremated before the disruption, seven bodies awaiting cremation were temporarily delayed.

“We prioritized restoring power to the crematorium, and I’m pleased to report that cremations were completed by 8 p.m. yesterday,” Minister Sivashankar stated after inspecting the restoration work. He added that 12 uprooted electric poles in Rose Nagar are being re-installed to restore power to 95 houses.

The Minister acknowledged that the crematorium’s generator has been out of service since December and assured that steps are being taken to repair it. He also addressed concerns about staffing shortages at Tangedco, stating that efforts are underway to fill vacancies.

Regarding the state’s power supply, Minister Sivashankar affirmed that Tamil Nadu has surplus power to meet peak summer demand. “We anticipate an early southwest monsoon, which will further reduce power demand. If necessary, we will purchase power from private generators,” he stated.

Responding to questions about the DMK’s promise of monthly power billing, the Minister indicated that implementation is contingent on improvements in Tamil Nadu’s financial situation.

Sources within Tangedco confirmed the extent of the damage caused by the storm, emphasizing that personnel were working diligently to restore power despite being short-staffed. The situation highlighted the need for a functioning backup generator at critical facilities like the Sindhupoondurai crematorium.

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