Trustees appeal to the public for respect, saying some cats even defecate on graves and inside the mosque, worrying the whole community
MUMBAI — Trustees of the Nariyalwadi cemetery in Mumbai neighbourhood of Byculla have raised concern over the unusually high number of cats now living inside the burial ground. They say many cats are being brought and released by their owners, causing serious hygiene problems both in the cemetery and inside the mosque located on the premises.
According to the trustees, most cats gather in the first two or three lanes where graves are closely arranged. The animals sit on graves, climb gravestones, rest on freshly dug soil and, in many cases, defecate on the graves. Some even enter the mosque and defecate there, creating a strong smell and upsetting those who come for prayers.
To address the problem, the trustees have put up a large board at the cemetery entrance in Urdu, Hindi and English. The board is titled ‘Come and Consider’, urging people to think about the state of the burial ground and to maintain respect.
Speaking to Clarion India, committee member and supervisor Yasin Chishti said the situation has now become serious. He said, “The limit has been reached in the first three lanes. Cats are present everywhere.”
He explained that the trustees are now considering ways to catch some of the cats and release them in a separate place, possibly near the fish market. According to him, the constant rise in the number of cats is due to people intentionally bringing them to the cemetery and leaving them behind.
Chishti stressed that a cemetery holds the resting place of many families’ loved ones. He said, “We work hard to maintain cleanliness because many deceased people are resting in this city of silence. Those who leave cats here must accept responsibility. They should think about the dignity of the place.”
Trustees say they are hopeful that with public support the problem can be controlled. Their main message is that the cemetery is a sacred place and must be treated with respect.
They have urged people not to abandon pets in the burial ground and to consider the feelings of grieving families who come to pray at their loved ones’ graves.
