Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Debunks Social Media Rumors on Crematorium Operations
The Thiruvananthapuram City Corporation has categorically dismissed as baseless the viral social media reports claiming significant disruption in the functioning of Shanthikavadam, the city's primary crematorium facility. Officials have labeled the circulating misinformation as completely unfounded, stating it has caused unnecessary panic among residents at a time when the facility continues to operate normally with a steady daily workload.
Official Inspection Confirms Normal Operations
In response to the emerging rumors, the corporation issued an official statement detailing that Health Standing Committee Chairman M R Gopan personally visited the Thycaud-based crematorium on the very day the reports surfaced. During this thorough inspection, the overall functioning of Shanthikavadam was meticulously reviewed. While minor operational issues were identified during the assessment, authorities confirmed these were rectified immediately to ensure seamless service continuity.
All cremation units at the facility are fully operational, according to corporation clarifications. The electric and gas-based cremation systems are functioning without any interruption. Regarding the traditional firewood furnaces, three out of the four units are currently active and in regular use. Maintenance work is underway on the remaining fourth furnace as part of scheduled servicing procedures.
Critical Public Facility with Limited Alternatives
Shanthikavadam stands as one of the most vital cremation facilities in the Kerala state capital, catering to a substantial portion of the city's population. Given its essential role in community services, any perceived disruption in its operations naturally triggers significant public concern. The corporation emphasized that alternative cremation facilities within the city remain limited, making Shanthikavadam's uninterrupted functioning particularly crucial for residents.
Corporation authorities have alleged that misleading information appears to have been deliberately circulated despite the actual ground situation showing normal operations. This has created a false impression among citizens about service availability at a critical public utility.
Call for Responsible Information Sharing
The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has issued a strong appeal to the public to rely exclusively on official communications for accurate updates regarding municipal services. Officials have urged residents to exercise caution and avoid sharing unverified messages through social media platforms or other channels. This incident highlights the broader challenges municipal authorities face in combating misinformation that can rapidly spread through digital networks and cause unwarranted public anxiety.
Regular maintenance and servicing of all cremation furnaces continue as part of standard operational protocols to ensure Shanthikavadam remains fully functional without interruption. The corporation maintains that the facility is adequately equipped to handle its daily responsibilities while addressing any minor technical issues through routine maintenance schedules.
