The Hindu : National : Construction of wall across crematorium flayed

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National

Construction of wall across crematorium flayed

Staff Reporter

— Photo: A. Shaikmohideen

Hindrance:A wall being constructed across crematorium road at KTC Nagar on the outskirts of Palayamkottai.

TIRUNELVELI: Construction of a wall by the Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) across a road leading to a burial ground/ crematorium on the outskirts of Palayamkottai has irked residents of KTC Nagar North.

The district administration allotted 1.50 acre government poramboke land in 2003 for the benefit of residents of the KTC Nagar North, comprising 48 colonies. Subsequently, the Keezhanatham panchayat allocated Rs. 1.50 lakh for laying a 20-feet-wide road to connect the cremation ground with the residential area. This road has been approved as a ‘scheme road' in the plans available with the Local Planning Authority.

This land was developed with more facilities like a crematorium shed, a hand-pump, a shed, a small room, an additional crematorium shed etc. with contributions from individuals and from the fund allotted by Tirunelveli MLA N. Maalairaja.

Against this backdrop, the TNHB, developing a housing colony on the southern side of the road leading to the crematorium, has started constructing a wall around the proposed residential area after obtaining formal permission from Keezhanatham panchayat in the form of a resolution.As this road is being used by people from all faiths, local religious leaders have started showing interest in removing the wall, which may spoil tranquillity prevailing in the area.

“The resolution passed by the Keezhanatham panchayat has enabled the TNHB to construct a wall across a portion of the crematorium road, even as the last rites of 15 Christians, four Muslims and more than 50 Hindus had been performed there. When we held talks with the TNHB, officials suggested an alternative route via residential areas to reach the cremation ground, which may create unnecessary problem as residents may not like to carry bodies via their area. Hence, we've decided to approach the district administration with an appeal to spare the road,” said C. Subbiah, president of KTC Nagar North Residents' Welfare Association.

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