Hyderabad: While the new government is planning to set up 8-10 new crematoriums in Greater Hyderabad and the existing four at Bansilalpet, Amberpet, Punjagutta and S.R Nagar are facing protests and remain unused, the 980 cemeteries in Hyderabad maintained by the GHMC are turning hot properties for encroachment.
Every year the GHMC allots Rs 50 crore for the maintenance of these burial grounds and crematoriums. However, the proposal for burial pavement, toilets, additional room and water facility is awaiting approval since the last three years.
There are 1,300 burial grounds in Ranga Reddy district and Hyderabad. Of this the one in Bansilalpet and Alwal are maintained well as a third party has taken up the initiative, while the rest have no toilets, lighting, water supply, sitting facilities and burning stations.
The proposal to construct a ash room is pending. The GHMC was asked to construct an ash room for family members to preserve the ashes of their loved ones till they are let into running waters.
Around 67 per cent of the burial grounds are facing disputes. Third parties have encroached the land as most of the burial grounds don’t have compound walls. The encroachers have approached the High Court and have got stay orders.
Of the 980 burial grounds in Greater Hyderabad 300 are directly under the control of the GHMC while the rest are either under dispute or are yet to be handed over to the municipal body.
The exact area of burial grounds are unknown and due to this encroachers have the advantage. Till date there has never been any surveys to identify the original area.
One Mr Chandra Reddy from Machabollarum filed a complaint through the GHMC call centre regarding the encroachment of the burial grounds at Bollarum. Similarly one Mohd Masood filed a complaint regarding encroachments at Santhosagar near Salaarnagar.
However, no action was taken although the matter was referred to higher officials of the GHMC.
