Lawyers and activists urge BMC to take immediate remedial measures as legal battles stall progress in resolving the burial crisis.
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — Despite a clear Bombay High Court directive and a subsequent notification from the state government, the allocation of two plots for the Govandi cemetery near Deonar graveyard in Mumbai’s Shivaji Nagar locality remains mired in legal challenges, hindering practical progress.
The issue arose when the Deonar cemetery faced overcrowding, prompting a concerted effort by lawyers and trustees to secure adjacent plots for burial purposes. While the state government issued a notification and endorsed the decision to allocate the land, practical advancements were halted by legal disputes.
Advocates Altaf Khan and Shamsher Sheikh, and their legal team, along with Deonar Cemetery Trustee Abdul Rehman Ilias Manna, have been actively engaging with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the courts to expedite the process. However, their efforts have hit roadblocks, with a developer challenging the government’s notification in court, arguing against the allocation of one plot where several huts and two buildings stand under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA).
Advocate Sheikh expressed frustration over the delays. “We wrote to the BMC to remove debris from the transit camp area, but it has been challenged in court by the developer. The urgent need for cemetery plots persists, but legal hurdles impede progress,” he said.
He acknowledged the significance of the Bombay High Court’s decision and the state government’s notification but stressed the importance of overcoming obstacles to vacate the allocated plots.
Emphasising unity and determination in the legal battle, Sheikh highlighted the collaborative efforts led by Advocate Khan. He affirmed their commitment to monitoring developments and swiftly responding to any actions taken by the developer. Additionally, efforts are underway to clear debris and demarcate the plots, essential steps towards resolving the burial crisis in Deonar Cemetery.
Despite the challenges, Sheikh expressed optimism: “While hurdles persist, our success thus far fuels our resolve. Though further steps may require time, we remain steadfast in our pursuit of ensuring the timely allocation of land to Deonar Cemetery,” he said.
