Villagers from Sanarpalayam near Kolappalur in Gobichettipalayam taluk, Erode, strongly opposed the proposal to establish an electric crematorium in their locality on Wednesday (July 2, 2025). Tension prevailed when they surrounded the Kolappalur Town Panchayat Chairman during a public consultation meeting.
The town panchayat had earlier passed a resolution to construct the crematorium between Sanarpalayam and Molagoundanpalayam, for which the State Government had sanctioned ₹1.46 crore. However, residents from seven villages in the vicinity claimed that the project would negatively impact the local environment and demanded its relocation.
In response, a public consultation meeting was held at Sanarpalayam, attended by villagers from the affected areas, along with officials from the Revenue and Police Departments. During the meeting, residents strongly voiced their opposition to the project.
Gobichettipalayam Revenue Divisional Officer S. Sivanandham assured the gathering that their opinions would be documented, compiled into a report, and forwarded to the District Collector for further action.
Villagers alleged that their consent was not sought prior to initiating the project, and even the councillor of the 15th ward was not informed by the town panchayat. They claimed that necessary procedures were not followed and reiterated their demand to relocate the crematorium.
Following the meeting, chairman Anbarasan was surrounded and confronted by angry residents, leading to a brief commotion. Police personnel intervened and escorted him safely.
Published – July 02, 2025 06:24 pm IST
