Chennai’s Burial Grounds Get Revamp with ₹10 Crore Investment
In a significant step towards improving public facilities, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has announced a ₹10 crore initiative aimed at revamping at least 15 burial grounds across the city. This development, which is part of a larger urban renewal project, will see the introduction of electric and gasifier crematoriums alongside vital upgrades such as the construction of new toilets and water supply systems. The improvements are designed to meet growing demand and ensure that facilities for last rites are in line with modern standards.
Several burial grounds located in key areas like Kilpauk, Arumbakkam, Nungambakkam, and Besant Nagar are among those set to benefit from the planned enhancements. Notably, Besant Nagar and Mylapore burial grounds, which have reached full capacity, will undergo extensive redevelopment. These locations will see the demolition of old pyres, making room for new facilities, including the installation of gasifier crematoriums. These crematoriums will address the daily need to handle at least 10 cremations, thereby making the process more efficient and cleaner for the environment.
To further improve the visibility and accessibility of the burial grounds, high-mast lights will be installed at key locations, including Krishnampet, Arcot Road, and AVM burial grounds. Similarly, Anna Nagar burial grounds, where around five deaths are managed daily, will undergo refurbishments, with a focus on modernising sanitary facilities. This move aligns with GCC’s broader goal of providing a dignified and sanitary environment for the public, particularly during sensitive and emotionally charged times.
Adding to these efforts, the GCC has committed to creating parks in some of the burial grounds, transforming them into peaceful spaces for contemplation and reflection. Furthermore, security enhancements are also on the agenda. Several burial grounds, which have lacked proper security measures in the past, will now feature dedicated rooms for security personnel and help desks, ensuring safety and assistance for grieving families. Alongside these infrastructural upgrades, a total of ₹9 crore has been earmarked for hiring staff to manage the enhanced facilities and operations. The GCC has also undertaken a large-scale clean-up operation across 200 burial grounds and crematoriums, removing over 159 tonnes of waste, further highlighting its commitment to maintaining cleanliness and order.
However, the challenges do not end with infrastructure upgrades. Ward 92 councillor K.V. Thilagar has urged the GCC to focus on curbing the exploitation of families by funeral service providers, who often charge exorbitant fees for ceremonies. He suggested that the corporation could introduce subsidised death ceremony packages, managed by a contractor, to ease the financial burden on families during their time of loss. This suggestion could foster a more equitable environment for those in mourning, ensuring that the emotional strain of a death is not compounded by financial stress.
The ongoing projects highlight a growing recognition of the need to modernise civic amenities to reflect the evolving needs of the population. As Chennai continues to expand and modernise, the revamping of these burial grounds marks a significant step in integrating sustainability with urban development. By adopting gasifier crematoriums, the city aims to reduce its carbon footprint and address concerns about traditional cremation practices that often involve harmful emissions. These upgrades are not only a response to the immediate needs of the city’s population but also an important measure in the long-term goal of making Chennai a more sustainable and humane city for its citizens.
