BJP-Led Civic Failure Pushes Thiruvananthapuram’s Main Crematorium To Crisis

Thiruvananthapuram: The functioning of Santhikavadam, the main crematorium in Kerala’s capital, has been pushed to the brink of a shutdown due to the negligence of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. Shortage of fuel and staff has severely disrupted operations, leaving the facility unable to handle cremations smoothly.

The crisis has been triggered by the failure of the newly formed BJP-led municipal administration to clear pending fuel payments for the gas crematoriums. With dues remaining unpaid, fuel suppliers have stopped deliveries, directly affecting cremation services.

Though temporary arrangements were put in place after the issue was highlighted in the media, the absence of a permanent solution means the situation remains unstable and services could be suspended at any time. The crematorium has two electric chambers, two gas chambers and four firewood furnaces. Cremation using firewood has also become difficult, forcing authorities to source wood from distant areas at high cost.

Under the present conditions, the facility can manage only 15 to 20 cremations a day. When the number exceeds this limit, families are being forced to approach private crematoriums, where they have to bear heavy expenses.

Operating hours at Santhikavadam have also been quietly cut. The gas and electric crematoriums, which earlier functioned late into the night, now stop accepting bodies after 4.30 pm. The firewood crematorium, which used to operate until 10 pm, no longer accepts bodies after 6 pm. People arriving with bodies are often made to wait for hours, while many are turned away citing lack of capacity. Those seeking bookings over the phone are frequently directed to private facilities.

Adding to the crisis, residents have raised concerns about worsening waste management at the crematorium. With drains not being cleaned regularly, soot is spreading to nearby houses. Regular inspections that were conducted earlier have also come to a halt, worsening the situation.