Despite court directions and official assurances, work on the new plot remains slow, leaving families worried about burial space as existing cemeteries reach capacity
MUMBAI — Concerns are growing among local Muslim residents in the Govandi suburb of the city over the slow progress of construction work at the new cemetery plot adjoining the existing cemetery, where even the boundary wall has not yet been completed despite repeated assurances.
The situation has become serious as the new plot, which has space for around 400 graves, was expected to be ready nearly two years ago. However, the work continues at a very slow pace, raising questions about a lack of urgency.
Visuals from the site clearly show that construction is moving slowly. Residents say that despite the importance of the project, the work does not reflect any sense of priority.
A resident said, “We have been waiting for this cemetery to open for a long time. Every time we are told that the work will finish soon, but nothing really changes on the ground.”
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had even submitted an affidavit in court promising that the work would be completed by the end of 2024. Despite this, the boundary wall itself remains unfinished.
Now, officials are saying that the work will be completed within one month. However, many residents are not convinced. They fear that with the monsoon approaching, further delays may be justified on the grounds of rain.
One community member expressed concern, saying, “If the work is not completed before the rains, then again there will be an excuse. This has been happening again and again.”
The issue has been repeatedly raised by activists and community representatives. Advocate Altaf Khan, Advocate Shamsheer Ahmed, and trustee of Deonar cemetery, Abdul Rehman, have been actively following up on the matter.
Abdul Rehman said, “There has been too much delay. None of the promises made by the BMC have been fulfilled. Even the court’s directions have not been followed properly. There is a need to speed up the work immediately.”
He added, “If the new cemetery is not made ready soon, there will be serious problems. Deonar cemetery has already stopped burials due to lack of space, and Rafeeq Nagar cemetery is also under pressure.”
According to available details, several developments have taken place since the high court’s intervention in November 2023. The court had strongly directed the BMC to allocate two plots for cemetery use. While work has started on one plot, the second plot is still facing issues due to encroachments.
In October 2024, officials had assured that construction work would begin, but even after deadlines passed, no visible progress was made at that time. Eventually, funds amounting to around ₹9.5 crore were approved for the project.
Despite these steps, the promised deadline of December 2024 was not met. The cemetery was supposed to be developed and handed over to the trust, but the work remains incomplete.
The pressure on burial spaces has already increased. Since June 2024, burials at Deonar cemetery have stopped due to a lack of space. As a result, Rafeeq Nagar cemetery is handling a higher number of burials, creating difficulties for families.
Residents say that any further delay could make the situation worse, especially for grieving families who are already dealing with emotional stress.
When contacted, M-East ward Health Officer Dr Sanjay Hingar admitted the delay. He said, “Yes, there has been a delay. The work is being carried out through the BMC’s Building and Maintenance central agency. We have held meetings and communicated with them.”
He added, “They have assured us that the work will be completed within one month.”
Dr Hingar also explained that once construction is completed, the cemetery will either be handed over to the ward office for management or to the trust, depending on the final decision.
He said, “After completion, the local ward office will manage the cemetery, including issuing death certificates and overseeing operations. If it is handed over to the trust, then the responsibility will lie with them.”
For now, families in Govandi and nearby areas continue to wait, hoping that the long-pending project will finally be completed without further delay.
