Lakshmipuram ₹2.5-Crore Gasifier Crematorium Awaits Public Opening
The ₹2.5-crore gasifier crematorium constructed by the Tambaram City Corporation in Lakshmipuram, Chromepet, remains unopened for public use, sparking concerns among local residents and activists. Completed and handed over by the contractor in mid-February 2026, the facility in Ward 30 of Zone 1 has faced operational delays, prompting demands for its immediate opening to serve the community.
Residents and activists alleged that municipal authorities delayed opening the facility while awaiting a trial run using an unclaimed body. V. Santhanam, a senior activist and founder of the People’s Awareness Association, submitted multiple representations to the Corporation urging action. He noted that the crematorium would significantly benefit residents in Lakshmipuram as well as nearby areas, including Nagappa Nagar, New Colony, and Umayalpuram.
To address the cited issue regarding unclaimed bodies, Santhanam stated that he wrote to senior doctors at government hospitals, requesting that such bodies be handed over to the crematorium following required police formalities, as non-governmental organisations handle most unclaimed bodies.
A senior Corporation official countered the allegations, stating that a trial run had already been completed. The official explained that the site previously functioned as an open-air crematorium containing a temple dedicated to Harichandra and a water tank, requiring the new gasifier facility to be designed without disturbing the existing structures.
According to the official, maintenance of such facilities is typically assigned to a trust following government norms. The Corporation initially delayed operations while waiting for local residents who expressed interest to constitute a trust. Because no local trust was formed according to prescribed guidelines, maintenance has now been assigned to M.H.T. Engineering, an entity experienced in operating crematoria.
The official added that the Corporation remains willing to hand over maintenance to a local trust if residents form one that satisfies official criteria. A permanent name board with facility details is scheduled for installation within a few days, after which members of the public from Lakshmipuram and surrounding localities can access the crematorium upon submitting required documentation.
