Christian Community Renews Demand for Burial Grounds
All Souls’ Day brings renewed focus on overcrowded cemeteries, neglected heritage graves and pending government promises.
Hyderabad: As All Souls’ Day is observed on Monday, the Christian community has once again raised concern over shortage of burial grounds and the government’s long‑pending promise to address it.
The twin cities have 13 cemeteries, originally given by the Nizam and British rulers. Many old graves of British and Nizam officers are either dilapidated or being razed to make space for new burials, sparking concern as they reflect the city’s history.
The Narayanguda cemetery, over 250 years old and spread across 10 acres, has graves with marble statues dating back to the 19th century. Families complain that many graves are missing as plots are re‑allotted. Caretaker Jakkargari Gabriel said the ground is congested, with over 30,000 burials since 1990, and families often bury multiple members in the same plot.
In contrast, St. John the Baptist Protestant Cemetery near Parade Grounds, built between 1813–1818, maintains its old graves. Committee member Norman Isaac said the cemetery houses Commonwealth war graves, including 11 identified World War I and II graves of Indian soldiers, all preserved under supervision.
Community leaders say migration to the twin cities has worsened the shortage, as burial is a core faith practice. Goneh Solomon Raj, general secretary of the Telangana United Christians and Pastors Association, said the last major allotment was during Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy’s tenure, when land was given at Alwal, Kesara and Ghatkesar.
He added that during the BRS period, 43.5 acres were allotted across the state, but most parcels remain under dispute. Delegations continue to press the government to resolve the issue.
