Mumbai: Responding to the persistent concerns over a shortage of burial grounds and cemeteries for the Christian and Muslim communities in Mumbai, Maharashtra Industries Minister Uday Samant announced a 90-day action plan in the state assembly. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been directed to identify land reserved for this purpose under the Development Plan (DP), and necessary funds will be allocated, reported the Times of India.
“Funds will be made available, and the BMC will be instructed to ensure there is no shortage of cemeteries and burial grounds,” Samant stated, addressing the long-standing grievances raised by various community leaders and citizens.
Currently, Mumbai has 10 cemeteries under BMC management for the Christian community, along with 42 private cemeteries. For the Muslim community, there are 17 BMC-managed burial grounds and 57 privately operated ones.
Samant also mentioned the possibility of considering the use of decomposition powders to optimize land use, but emphasized that such decisions must be made with the consent of a committee comprising representatives from various faiths.
The announcement comes amid increasing urban space constraints in Mumbai, where both religious communities have been facing difficulty in securing dignified and adequate burial space for their deceased.
