THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The firewood crematorium in Thycaud Santikavadam, which is under the control of the municipality, has temporarily suspended operations. Although the corporation decided to run the crematorium to prevent looting by contractors, crisis arose due to the inability to implement the system.
The decision to remove contractors came after widespread complaints that they were charging extra fees for the cremation of bodies. The corporation later appointed four employees, but they never showed up after the first day. The employees complained about the special working conditions from 8 am to 10 pm and expressed difficulty in procuring firewood as needed for the rituals.
The news about the firewood crematorium not functioning came to light after many enquiries reached the crematorium in recent days. In previous years, tenders were called for the firewood crematorium along with the corporation's markets and auditoriums. This time, since the corporation decided to run it, the firewood crematorium was excluded from the tender.
The crematorium was operating even after the contract expired on the 30th of last month. However, the corporation authorities stopped the operation on the night of the 3rd of this month, citing that it was illegal. No replacement system was installed. The corporation has fixed a fee of Rs 1,700 for firewood cremation. In addition to this, up to Rs 1,500 is being charged from people under various pretexts.
An average of 175 bodies are cremated at the wood crematorium every month. The contract was awarded for Rs 4.20 lakh last financial year. When tenders were invited for the cremation, only one person participated.