GHMC to turn graveyards green

Hyderabad: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation will be taking up a greenery project across the 28 graveyards in the city’s five zones. The project will be part of the state government’s afforestation initiative, Telangana Ku Haritha Haaram, for the year 2016-17.

Till date the GHMC has listed 15 graveyards to be completed under the first phase of the greening initiative. Apart from this, the GHMC will also undertake development of basic amenities at the graveyards.

However, it is to be seen if the sapling plantation drive takes place in graveyards as planned because in 2015 the GHMC could not to take up plantations in graveyards or in any other open space in the city under the Haritha Haaram programme because of poor rains.

Mohammad Asif, a resident of Panjagutta where a sapling plantation drive in a graveyard is planned by the GHMC said, “If it is just sapling plantation then it is a good move, but beautification should not take place in Muslim graveyards because it is not allowed as per Islam. However, along with sapling plantations, cleaning and repair works can also be taken up.”

Christy Lobo of Musheerabad said, “It would be great if the GHMC can successfully execute its plan and develop greenery in graveyards which will provide a clean atmosphere whenever we go to see our dear ones who have passed away. Usually the graveyards aren’t kept that clean with tree waste everywhere, so if the GHMC plans to plant saplings it should also ensure that the vegetation is being maintained properly.”