Families in Kannagi Nagar’s Ward 196 are reporting that they are being forced to pay between Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 for burial services, despite Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) regulations mandating that these services remain free across all 200 city wards. Residents claim this practice has persisted for over a decade, with local officials failing to intervene despite repeated complaints.
The Sholinganallur zone ward, which includes separate burial grounds for Christian and Muslim communities as well as a crematorium, is reportedly suffering from severe neglect. Local inhabitants describe a lack of basic amenities, including functional toilets, running water, and adequate lighting. One resident noted that even 15 years after the Okkiyam Thoraipakkam Village Panchayat was integrated into the GCC, zonal officials continue to deflect responsibility by claiming the area remains under panchayat administration or that no Corporation staff are available.
K. Murugan, a local resident, accused sanitary inspectors and the Sholinganallur Zonal Health Officer of ignoring the issue. "Instead of enforcing free services and stopping the collections, officials feign ignorance. Their response is often, 'Is that so?' This raises concerns over whether officials are also receiving a share of the money," Murugan stated. Another resident, C. Premkumar, recounted that workers demanded Rs 5,000 following his grandmother’s death last month. Although a GCC official intervened to secure the return of a Rs 500 advance payment, Premkumar reported that workers continued to harass his family for money.
Allegations of financial impropriety extend to the gasifier crematorium, which opened in 2025. Residents claim that a banner displaying helpline numbers was removed to hide the fact that the service is free. Furthermore, workers reportedly refuse digital payments into their own accounts, instead directing grieving families to transfer funds to a nearby kiosk’s GPay account. Murugan added that despite formal requests to replace the private contractor operating the facility, the same individual remains in charge.
On-site inspections reveal significant disrepair, with the grounds overgrown by weeds and bushes, posing risks from snakes and rodents. Facilities are in a state of decay, with broken toilets, damaged plumbing, and debris scattered throughout the premises. At the Christian burial ground, a former plastic baling unit has been filled with construction waste and reportedly repurposed as an informal cowshed, with residents alleging that iron components are being stolen and sold as scrap.
In response to these allegations, a senior Corporation official promised an investigation. "Complaints against those demanding money will be investigated. If complaints are filed by residents against the person demanding money, disciplinary action will be taken. I’ll speak to the local officials and take necessary action," the official stated.
