City Cemeteries Thronged by Relatives of the Departed
Families gathered at Hyderabad's Christian burial grounds to remember loved ones, while community members called for better security and upkeep of cemeteries.
The Church of South India (CSI) has taken up restoration and cleaning of the unattended graves in several Christian cemeteries in the city. This follows a report, ‘Grave crisis for Christian fraternity in heart of Hyderabad: British, Nizam-era graves face encroachment, decay issues’, published in these columns on Monday/
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Dr B. Vimal Sukumar, treasurer of CSI Synod, said, “We have taken up restoration of old unattended graves. Thanks to Deccan Chronicle for highlighting the need.” He said the CSI had taken up this issue and started the work at Garrison cemetery in Trimulgherry, the cemeteries at Musheerabad and heritage graves at St Georges Church premises at Abids.
Community members however after that All Souls Day, observed on Monday, most of these places would be ignored again.
The cemeteries were thronged during the day by the relatives of the departed, marking All Souls Day. Community elders said several burial grounds in the city needed protection, as they were isolated places where anti-social elements gathered to consume liquor and drugs.
Committee member Caleb Rayapati said, “The caretakers cannot manage by themselves as these are big areas. CCTV cameras should be fixed, and police patrols should be deployed when needed.”
