Ahmedabad: The AMC-run Shilaj crematorium opened just eight months ago. A few spells of rain have damaged the structure, raising questions over the quality of work done. Craters have formed on walkways, paver blocks have caved in, and due to the facility’s proximity to a lake, deep cracks have appeared at the base of the boundary walls. The crematorium, located in North-West Zone’s Thaltej ward, also has water seeping into the wood godown.Videos showing the damage have gone viral on social media. AMC built the crematorium in Nov 2025 for Rs 16.17 crore, considering the growing population in the expanding Thaltej ward, which covers approximately 37 sq km and includes Gurukul Road, Sindhu Bhavan Road, Thaltej, Shilaj, Bhadaj, Hebatpur, Bopal and Ghuma. The ward has another crematorium near Thaltej Crossroads.
Deep cracks have appeared along the crematorium’s boundary wall
The Shilaj crematorium is built over 12,000 sq m and has two CNG-fired furnaces, four spaces for traditional cremation using wood, a prayer hall, a seating area, a registration office, parking, a pavilion, a caretaker’s room, restrooms for men and women, an ash collection room, a wood storage area and a cafeteria. Solar panels were also installed to power common areas. However, since the crematorium became operational, there have been several complaints about the structure’s poor quality.
