T’puram: The city corporation on Tuesday dismissed as baseless the reports circulating on social media claiming disruption in the functioning of Shanthikavadam, the city’s main crematorium. Officials said the misinformation had caused unnecessary panic among the public at a time when the facility was operating normally and handling a steady daily workload. In an official statement, the corporation said health standing committee chairman M R Gopan visited the Thycaud-based facility on the day the reports surfaced. During the inspection, the functioning of the crematorium was reviewed, and minor issues identified were rectified immediately. Corporation authorities clarified that all electric and gas cremation units at Shanthikavadam are fully operational. Of the four firewood-based furnaces, three are currently in use, while maintenance work on the remaining unit is in progress. Routine servicing of the furnaces is also being carried out to ensure uninterrupted operations. Shanthikavadam is one of the most important cremation facilities in the state capital and caters to a large section of the city’s population. Any perceived disruption in its services tends to trigger public concern, as alternative facilities within the city are limited. The corporation alleged that misleading information had been deliberately circulated despite the actual situation on the ground, creating a false impression among residents. It urged the public to rely only on official communications for updates and to avoid sharing unverified messages.
