Fencing of graveyards a tough task for govt

9 Apr, 2007

PATNA: Sometimes back, chief minister Nitish Kumar took a bold step of fencing of all the graveyards in the state. Most of the cemeteries are without a boundary wall, making them vulnerable to illegal trespass and encroachment.

The government, sensing the serious ramifications involved in this work, handed over the responsibility to the home department so that the DMs and SPs could take personal interest in completing the work and also deal with any dispute. The work was earlier done under the minority welfare department.

Against the last year's budget of Rs 7 crore, Rs 10 crore have been earmarked for the scheme this year, official sources said. Several months passed, but the work could not be initiated as per government's expectations.

Reason? Controversies, disputes, cases and apprehension of social tension. Recently, the boundary wall of a graveyard at Dulhin Bazar in rural Patna was demolished by miscreants and vested interests which caused tension in the locality. In Phulwarisharif, a junior-level official ordered to stop the fencing work. For years,

these graveyards have become haven for anti-social elements who have opened shops there. Home commissioner Afzal Amanullah said it was not unexpected. "It will be done sincerely and the government is spending huge amount of money on the scheme," he told TOI on Sunday. But, he said, it will take time.

"The encroachment problem is quite old and it is almost everywhere. At some places, it is chronic. Yet, we will be able to do this with a balancing act — by defusing the situation or delaying the work," said Amanullah. The government's special attention and the funding have also doubled the expectations of the minority community.

RJD minority cell chief Mohammad Nematullah alleged the administration is not taking interest in removing the encroachments. Amanullah, however, said fencing work had already been done at hundreds of graveyards without any resistance. "We are taking up the work at disputed graveyards with utmost care so that no social tension is created," he said.