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In a significant move, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken steps to address the long-standing issue of limited burial space in the M East ward of Mumbai. The BMC has finalized plans for the establishment of three new cemeteries, with additional plots under consideration for changes in reservation within the development plan (DP). This decision comes in anticipation of an upcoming hearing at the Bombay High Court, initiated by residents of Govandi who have been demanding more burial space for their deceased loved ones.
The first proposed cemetery is an extension of the existing Rafi Nagar cemetery in Govandi, covering an expansive area of 15,800 square meters. This land currently falls under the jurisdiction of the BMC Solid Waste Management Department, and the finalized plot is currently under review by civic authorities.
The second proposed plot is an extension of the Deonar cemetery, a site allocated 2,264.74 square meters for cemetery purposes under the Rehabilitation Scheme at Deonar. This particular section is managed by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA). The total area designated for this proposed cemetery is approximately 9,800 square meters. Discussions with higher authorities regarding the handover of this plot are ongoing.
The third plot, spanning 16,000 square meters, is owned by Oswal Agro and is located in Anik Village at Vashi Naka. The BMC's DP department has initiated discussions with the landowners to secure this plot. In line with this, Alka Sasane, Assistant Commissioner of M East ward, highlighted that the Bombay High Court had directed the state government to make land available for cemeteries, with a hearing scheduled for September 11. In exchange for the land, the BMC intends to provide the landowner with Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) and Floor Space Index (FSI) benefits.
Furthermore, there are three additional proposed plots that the BMC plans to submit to the Urban Development Department (UDD) for changes in reservation status. These plots are currently owned by the state government. The first plot is occupied by a soap factory and is situated near the Govandi Mankhurd Link Road (GMLR). The second plot is a transit camp located near GMLR, while the third plot is in proximity to the Deonar dumping ground.
Presently, the BMC manages three existing cemeteries within the M East ward. These include the Rafi Nagar Muslim Kabrastan, covering 16,188 square meters, the Deonar Muslim Kabrastan, spanning 6,254 square meters, and the Cheeta Camp Muslim Kabrastan, with an area of 9,166 square meters. Despite these existing facilities, the Bombay High Court recently criticized both the state and civic authorities for their perceived indifference to the shortage of burial space and directed the Urban Development Department (UDD) to provide explanations regarding the removal of a Muslim cemetery reservation in Deonar.
The court asserted that BMC regulations mandate the civic chief to identify suitable locations for dignified last rites should existing facilities become insufficient. Additionally, it called upon the state government to clarify the steps taken to ensure that Mumbai residents have access to adequate space for dignified final rites. This request comes in response to the residents of Govandi, who have been advocating for an additional cemetery due to the shortage of burial space in existing facilities.
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