Kochi: The pandemic has created a demand for portable crematoriums in Kerala with many churches relying on it as an alternative to burying those who succumbed to Covid-19.

Covid victims’ families and relatives see portable crematoriums as a viable solution as the units can be used either inside the cemetery of churches or even outside.

“It is after we faced difficulties in disposing of bodies of our parishioners who died of Covid-19 that we started to think of making a portable crematorium,” said Father Francis Areeckal, vicar of St Antony’s Church at Kizhakkambalam in Ernakulam district.

“We worked out the plan in consultation with an engineering contractor who is also a parishioner,” said Father Areeckal, who has claimed that they are willing to offer its services to “anybody cutting across barriers of caste and religion.”

“In case they need assistance for cremation, we have a team. They would volunteer their service,” the priest said. The portable crematorium they have made weighs 650 kg and can be transported in a pick-up van or a mini truck.

Salim Sebastian had made the portable unit in his courtyard at the behest of Father Areeckal. In the absence of a workshop, he says it took around ten days for his team to manufacture a unit. “The cost of each unit comes to around 260,000 rupees each. Now, we have made three units that have been given to various churches,” said Sebastian.

“It works on LPG and it may take up to 2 cylinders of the gas for cremating a body. As no smell would emanate from the unit, it can be taken to courtyards of houses as well. The relatives will not have to wait for a day or so for getting the ashes of the cremated body. If they need it, they will get it in two hours,” Sebastian said.

According to Father Geo Kadavi, director, Catholic Congress Global, laity organization of Syro-Malabar Church, the Covid-19 situation has necessitated the use of portable crematoriums and that more churches are turning to it.

“A few churches in Kerala have procured mobile crematorium. We have bought one unit in the Thrissur diocese and the Palakkad diocese has also procured one. It is learned that they have sent it to Attappadi,” said Father Kadavi, who added that they cremated eight people using a portable unit.

A few churches in the coastal areas are also planning to buy portable units.

“Some of the vicars from North Paravur have made inquiries,” Father Areeckal said. “In areas with waterlogging, the portable unit is apt.” The priest says demand for portable crematoriums might continue even after the pandemic subsides.

“The canon law doesn’t forbid us from conducting cremations. So, the practice may continue,” he added.

Source: The Times of India