Graveyards in city cry for attention

Sandeep Rana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 17

Piles of cow dung, strewn garbage and wild growth can be witnessed at most of burial grounds in the city.

Though families bury their kith and kin so that they rest in peace, seeing the deplorable condition of burial grounds in Chandigarh, it seems difficult for them.

During a visit to Dadu Majra colony, it was found that there was no boundary wall and it was an open burial ground inside the residential area. People from the neighbouring houses throw garbage and have put up piles of cow dung in it.

“The Municipal Corporation authorities have not bothered to demarcate the place and remove wild growth. I have been living alongside the graveyard for the past 15 years. It is unfortunate that people have to bury their loved ones in such a pathetic condition where waste is strewn. The authorities must improve the condition of burial grounds,” said Poonam while pointing towards encroachment by locals by putting up cow dung.

Other graveyards too are in a pity condition with most of them having no arrangement for light, water, shed and boundary walls. There are around 14 burial grounds in Chandigarh.

Nominated councillor Haji Mohd Khurshid Ali said: “It is a matter of grave concern as my father was buried at the burial ground in Hallo Majra, which is in an awful state. Other ones are also crying for attention. There are broken paver blocks, broken doors and no arrangement for lights at some of the burial grounds.”

Mayor to visit burial grounds today

In view of the dilapidated condition of burial grounds, a Chandigarh Municipal Corporation team led by Mayor Asha Kumari Jaswal, along with Khurshid Ali and area councillors concerned, will start its visit from Thursday. On Thursday, three burial ground - one each in Sector 25, Dadu Majra and Hallo Majra - will be visited by the Mayor in the morning. “We are concerned about it. I will visit each of the burial ground and compile a report as to what work is to be done in which graveyard,” said Jaswal.