Source : The Hindu Date : 24.06.2009
14 burial grounds in city to be given new life
Muralidhara Khajane
Mysore City Corporation to take up renovation at a cost of Rs. 2.25 crore Weeds to be removed, garden of medicinal plants to be developed
Mysore: Burial grounds in the limits of Mysore City Corporation will soon get a facelift. A detailed project report (DPR) for comprehensive development of 14 of 32 burial grounds is ready. According to Mayor Purushottam, the corporation has earmarked Rs. 2.25 crore to improve facilities at the burial grounds.
He told The Hindu that though there was enough space in all burial grounds it had not been utilised properly. People were finding it difficult to walk because of weeds. The burial grounds lacked proper maintenance and the public had complained about the poor maintenance several times. So, 14 of the 32 burial grounds would be rejuvenated in the first phase, he said.
“It has been planned to construct shelters and chairs for people. After clearing the weeds, a garden of medicinal plants will be developed. It is proposed to provide bathing facility by installing water tanks with taps at a height of 6 ft. Solar lights will also be installed in the burial grounds, he added.
Once the burial grounds are given a facelift, the responsibility to maintain them is proposed to be handed over to non-governmental organisations. However, a final decision in this regard would be taken at the meeting of the corporation council, Mr. Purushottam said.
Encroachment
To a question regarding alleged encroachment of burial grounds by some vested interests, the Mayor said he had directed the authorities concerned to conduct an inquiry into it and issue notices in case they found encroachment of land that is part of burial grounds. “We will not allow encroachment of burial grounds and we will vacate such encroachers,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) has earmarked Rs. 2 crore in the budget presented recently for setting up of a hi-tech crematorium in Vijayanagar 4th Stage.
Though there was an electric crematorium at the foot of Chamundi Hills, people had been complaining about the outdated technology there, and the stench had been causing problems to those residing in the surroundings, said MUDA commissioner Jayanna
