Tardy pace of works exposes GHMC grave failure to build model graveyards
Hyderabad: Eight long years have passed since the GHMC began construction of model graveyards but has failed horribly to complete them, blaming it on the recent torrential rains in the city.
In 2014, the civic body began constructing 10 model graveyards based on the Mahaprasthanam, Jubilee Hills, template, but only five were completed, with another five in various stages of completion. So far, the GHMC has spent Rs 11.08 crore of a total outlay of Rs 25.02 crore.
Several facilities are being developed as part of the project, including a compound wall, cremation platforms, ash storage, prayer hall, waiting area and sitting room, as well as pathways, office rooms, wash areas, electrification, plantation, and landscaping.
During phase I, 24 models were sanctioned with an estimated cost of Rs 24.13 crore during 2015-16, and all of them were completed. Under Phase II, 10 model graveyards were to be constructed at a cost of Rs 25.02 crore. Five of them have been completed, and five more are in various stages of completion.
The five developed Hindu graveyards are located in Balkampet, KPHB Colony, Subashnagar, Quthbullapur, Mallapur and East Marredpally, while the civic body has yet to begin development and upgradation works at vykuntadhamams, kabrasthans for Muslims, and a graveyard for Christians in Sahebnagar, Borabanda, and Hindu and Muslim graveyards in Padmanagar,Quthbullapur, and Gajularamaram.
Further, the civic body began 107 regular maintenance projects but completed only 20 of them for a total of Rs 7.01 crore, blaming rains for the delay because the staff was deputed for monsoon-related work. Surprisingly, workers in monsoon emergency teams went on strike for more than 45 days because the corporation had failed to clear their outstanding bills.
The city is estimated to have 1,000 graveyards for people of different faiths. Though it is the responsibility of the GHMC to maintain them, several are under private maintenance. "We do not intervene unless asked to do so because it is closely related to religion. We comply whenever a request for a facility, such as a borewell or the clearing of undergrowth, is made,” a GHMC official said.
