Chennai Corporation Introduces Freezer Box Rental Service for Preserving Bodies, A First in India
This initiative, launched in collaboration with private entities, aims to provide a crucial service to the city's residents, particularly during times of bereavement.
In a pioneering move, the Chennai Corporation has introduced a new facility that allows for the rental of freezer boxes for preserving bodies, marking the first of its kind in India. This initiative, launched in collaboration with private entities, aims to provide a crucial service to the city's residents, particularly during times of bereavement.
Overview of the Initiative
The Chennai Corporation currently manages 209 crematoriums across the city, offering free cremation and burial services. Under the Singara Chennai 2.0 project, 14 of these crematoriums, including those in CPCL Nagar, Puzhal, and GKM Colony, have been upgraded with electric cremation platforms and LPG-based cremation facilities at a cost of ₹5.67 crore.
The new freezer box rental service has been introduced near the Velankadu crematorium on New Avadi Road, close to the Anna Nagar RTO office. This service allows families to rent freezer boxes to preserve the bodies of their loved ones until the final rites can be performed.
Details of the Freezer Box Facility
The facility, spanning 2,400 square feet, was established at a cost of ₹1 crore and can accommodate up to 12 bodies simultaneously. The freezer boxes are available for rent at ₹3,500 per day, with a contract signed with a private entity for an 8-year period.
These state-of-the-art freezer boxes can maintain a temperature of minus 15 degrees Celsius, allowing bodies to be preserved for up to 7 days. In cases where embalming has been performed, the preservation period can extend up to 40 days. Each freezer box is designed to hold a body weighing up to 200 kilograms and measuring up to 7 feet in length.
Additional Services
In addition to the freezer box rental, the facility also offers a locker service for storing ashes. These lockers can securely hold ashes for up to a year, with a rental fee of ₹100 per day.
To further support families during this difficult time, the facility includes a modern hall that can accommodate 100 to 150 people for conducting final rites and ceremonies. The rental fee for this hall is ₹7,500.
Expansion Plans
The Chennai Corporation has begun this service on a trial basis in Anna Nagar, with plans to expand the facility to other parts of the city. This initiative reflects the Corporation’s commitment to providing comprehensive and compassionate services to its citizens, ensuring dignity and respect for the deceased and their families during their final journey.
As Chennai continues to grow and modernize, the introduction of such facilities demonstrates the city's forward-thinking approach to urban management and public service.
