Despite the completion of land measurement in Kanju Marg for a much-needed Muslim cemetery, S Ward’s Health Department delays approval, leaving community leaders and residents distressed
NEW DELHI/MUMBAI — The Muslim community in Vikhroli, the prominent residential and commercial locality in the eastern suburbs of Mumbai in Maharashtra, is facing significant delays in securing land for a new cemetery, despite official measurements confirming the availability of a site in Kanju Marg. The members of the cemetery committee, along with local community leaders, held urgent discussions with officers of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to understand the reasons behind the prolonged delay.
Recently, a delegation representing the proposed cemetery committee met with officials from the BMC’s Development Plan (DP) and Health Departments. They raised concerns over the continued stalling of work related to the graveyard land in CTS No. 853 in Kanju Marg. The BMC DP department measured this land, indicating readiness for cemetery use.
“We wanted to understand why, despite the land being measured and survey number 1196 (D) already reserved for a graveyard and crematorium, the project is still at a standstill,” said Abdul Rehman Ansari, one of the delegation members from the Brothers Foundation.
The committee members were informed that a tender had been floated for the reserved plot, but locals opposed the crematorium facility, which put that particular plan on hold. However, the graveyard land in CTS No. 853 is different from that and remains a valid option.
During the meeting, the delegation shared that following the public grievance meeting (Janta Darbar) at Lodha earlier this month, they had received communication from the S Ward office. A letter was sent to Abdul Rehman Ansari and Wajid Qureshi stating that S Ward had forwarded the matter to the BMC Head Office for further action. However, when the delegation inquired directly at the BMC DP department, a female officer confirmed that while their role was limited to land measurement — which had been completed — the responsibility for progressing the graveyard lies with the Medical Health Officer (MHO) of S Ward.
“This response made it clear to us that S Ward officials are deliberately delaying the process,” said Wajid Qureshi, another committee member. “Despite the clear measurement and reservation of the land, no further action has been taken for weeks.”
The delegation then approached the Deputy Commissioner of the Health Department, Shraddha Nivarti Oghade, along with Executive Health Officer Mrs Dakshata, to seek clarity on the delay. Deputy Commissioner Oghade expressed her commitment to resolving the graveyard issue as quickly as possible, but concrete steps remain awaited.
Recognising the urgency, a meeting was held late Saturday night at the madrasa attached to the Muslim Jamaat in Vikhroli. The meeting brought together representatives of various local organisations, mosque leaders, school heads, and activists campaigning for the cemetery land.
Abdul Rehman Ansari, Wajid Qureshi, Waris Ali Sheikh, and Abdul Rehman Tamboli addressed the gathering, updating them on the BMC’s assurances while stressing the need for collective action. “The problem is close to being solved, but only if we keep pressure on the authorities,” said Waris Ali Sheikh.
The assembly resolved to meet the S Ward officials directly to confront the cause of the ongoing stalling and to demand an immediate resolution. The community emphasised that the delay is causing real hardship in arranging timely and dignified burials for Muslim residents.
“This is not just about land; it is about respect for our dead and the peace of mind for families,” said Abdul Rehman Tamboli. “We urge S Ward and BMC officials to end the unnecessary delay.”
The dispute over the crematorium alongside the graveyard has complicated the issue. Residents of the local society near survey number 1196 (D) have opposed the crematorium, which led to that plot being put on hold. However, community leaders have clarified that the Muslim graveyard planned on the adjacent land in Kanju Marg is a separate matter and should not be affected by objections to the crematorium.
“The opposition by some residents to the crematorium should not delay the graveyard project. Our community urgently needs space for burials,” explained Abdul Rehman Ansari.
The delay in the establishment of the cemetery is part of a wider challenge faced by Mumbai’s Muslim population. Increasing urbanisation and limited municipal allocations have led to shortages of burial grounds. Families are often forced to travel long distances or face difficulties in providing timely burials, which is deeply distressing per Islamic traditions.
“It is painful to see our community struggle to bury our loved ones properly. The authorities must understand the urgency of this issue,” said Wajid Qureshi.
Local Muslim leaders appeal to the BMC and S Ward officials to set aside any bureaucratic hurdles and act swiftly to resolve this long-standing issue.
When asked about the delay, a BMC Health Department official requested anonymity but confirmed that while the DP department completed its work, the health wing has not yet completed the necessary formalities to hand over the land officially. “The process involves various checks, and some complaints have been received, but we are committed to resolving this soon,” the official said.
Community members, however, remain sceptical. “There is enough evidence to show that S Ward is not taking this seriously. The people deserve transparency and action, not more excuses,” said Waris Ali Sheikh.
Abdul Rehman Ansari poignantly stated, “We are not asking for favours, only the basic right to bury our dead with dignity and respect. This should not be delayed any longer.”
