Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) will be using corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds to renovate the Khaswadi Crematorium and the Undera pond. The civic body is also planning a mechanism to mobilize funds for future needs too. Khaswadi Crematorium, which is the biggest in the city, needs immediate attention.

The Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) and Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) will be sponsoring the renovation of the crematorium with their CSR funds. PGCIL will be conducting tendering, execution and other related development works at the crematorium. IOCL, on the other end, will be sponsoring some works at the crematorium by depositing CSR funds with the VMC, which will be executing the repairs.

IOCL will also be sponsoring the development of the Undera pond. The VMC has drawn an estimate of Rs 4.25 crore for the project. The works to be taken up at the pond include a walkway, seating arrangement, railings, fencings, gazebo and ‘ghats’. IOCL will be allocating funds for the project to be executed by the civic body.

VMC will have to sign separate memorandums of understanding with IOCL and PGCIL for the works to be taken up under CSR. The administration has sought a nod from the standing committee of the civic body to sign the MOUs. The civic body is looking to take up various works using CSR funding from private and public sector units. It is also looking to have a mechanism to mobilize funding for different projects in a similar manner.