Coimbatore crematoriums directed to collect only Rs 2,000 per body

COIMBATORE: The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation on Wednesday reinstated a 2023 order that fixed a uniform cremation fee of Rs 2,000 per body in its crematoriums. The corporation crematoriumsare maintained by private trusts. The uniform charge has been in force since May 19, 2023, following directions issued by the then commissioner. As per the existing arrangement, 70% of the collected fee should be shared with the corporation while the remaining 30% will go to the operating institution.The order was reinstated after reports surfaced that certain crematoriums were collecting excess charges over the prescribed fee. The civic body has made it clear that no additional charges should be collected from the public and that any violation would result in immediate cancellation of permission without prior notice.The corporation has directed that prominent signboards displaying the approved fee structure be installed at the crematorium to ensure transparency.The direction followed a proposal made to extend the maintenance contract of the electric crematorium at Papanaickenpalayam for one year, from June 20, 2026, to June 19, 2027, in favour of GKD Charity Trust. According to the corporation administration, the trust had earlier been granted permission to operate and maintain the crematorium under specified conditions. The facility’s contract period ended on March 24, 2024, following which the trust sought an extension to continue maintenance operations, which continued until 2026.Officials said the proposed extension is in line with provisions contained in a govt order governing the operation of modern electric crematoriums by private trusts and institutions.