LPG crematorium Govinda Dhamam in Tirupati soon

Tirupati: Social organisations of Tirupati have taken an initiative to develop an LPG crematorium in the city. The Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Arya Vysya Officials and Professionals Association (AVOPA) and Satya Harischandra Hindu Rudra Bhoomi Society have joined hands and floated ‘Maha Prasthana Seva Samithi (MPSS)’.

MPSS has taken up the construction of the project Govinda Dhamam, an eco-friendly LPG crematorium. It is the first of its kind in Rayalaseema and will extend services to anyone irrespective of their caste or creed. The estimated cost of the project is estimated at Rs 1.80 crore.

The Tirupati Municipal Corporation has allotted one acre land in Thimminaidu Palem Panchayat on the Karakambadi road. They also took up the responsibility of constructing the compound wall and internal roads.

The members of the MPSS mobilised funds from social service organisations, firms and people. The NRI associations led by Komati Jayaram and Amara Raja Industries gave Rs 15 lakh each. Tirupati MP V Varaprasad gave sanctions for another Rs 15 lakh from MPLADS.

With the burial grounds here in very bad condition, filled with filth and foul smell, makes it a horrible experience in conducting the rituals there. By using the gas crematorium a lot of firewood can be saved and pollution can be avoided.

The members of the organisation were aware that an electric crematorium will have no flames. So keeping the sentiments of the people in mind, they have planned to go with LPG crematorium.

Govinda Dhamam will provide serene atmosphere with right ambience, facilities, greenery and neatness while bidding a grand adieu to the departed souls, said A Manjunath, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Executive Council member of the Maha Prasthana Seva Samithi.

The donations to the organization will get Income Tax exemption under Section 80G also. The rates of the funeral will be decided keeping in view only the maintenance cost. It will be run under no-loss no-profit basis and the funeral expenditure will come down significantly, he added.

Various funeral services like Pinda Pradana Bhavan and lockers to keep the mortal remains of the body will be provided besides setting up kitchen for rituals, visitors’ gallery, separate toilets for ladies and gents, place for tonsuring, water supply and generator at the project.

A Vinayaka temple is also nearing completion and is planned to be opened on March 1 this year.

CC Cameras with internet facility will be provided for the convenience of those far away and abroad to get live access to funeral rituals of their loved ones. Freezer boxes will also be available and they are planning to give them free of cost. A vehicle is also being provided to bring the dead body to the crematorium.