The proposed Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) draft Development Plan (DP) has created a storm among communities over the issue of cremation and burial grounds at Old Sangavi.

On May 14, PCMC released a draft development plan covering 173.24 square kilometers, with projections for a population increase to 42.45 lakh by 2031 and 61 lakh by 2041. The draft development plan has earmarked space for cremation and burial grounds for different religious communities residing in Old Sangavi, Dapodi, Bopodi, Pimple Gurav, and Pimple Saudagar.

On June 27, BJP MLA from Chinchwad constituency Shankar Jagtap staged a demonstration including a protest march and a public meeting near Balaji Lawns in Dhore Nagar, Old Sangavi.

Opposition by MLA

Shankar Jagtap argued in the meeting that the PCMC decision to reserve land for a burial ground was unjust and poorly planned by PCMC. The first-time MLA, Jagtap, was supported by local residents, housing society members, and community leaders, and they equally objected to the proposed reservation for burial land at Old Sangavi.

Meanwhile, Anwar Sheikh, founder of Miss Farha Charitable Foundation, told FPJ that the opposition to the burial ground in Old Sangavi seems to be motivated by ill intent to disturb communal harmony.

He added, "The proposed draft development plan of the PCMC provides cremation grounds for Hindus, Muslims, and Christian communities; selective targeting of burial grounds hints at their opposition to minority communities."

Father Joseph, resident of Pimple Gurav, told FPJ that currently, for the Christian community, there exists a burial ground at Phuggewadi, which is over capacity. He argued that the government holds responsibility to satisfy the genuine demands of minority communities.

Munnaf Haroon, member of the Bapodi Muslim Jamat Trust, said, "The Muslim burial ground beside the river at Bopodi has already exceeded its capacity. There is a need for a burial ground, and a significant Muslim population exists in Dapodi, Pimple Gurav, and Pimple Saudagar."

What does Municipal Act say?

Anwar Sheikh, citing relevant Sections 321 and 329 of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations Act, 1949, held that it is mandatory to reserve land by the municipal corporation for the Muslim community’s cemetery in the city development plan. “We want the administration not to succumb to any political pressure or misinformation because the administration has been mandated by the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, 1949," he added.

"A formal letter was submitted to the Commissioner of Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation and Prasad Gaikwad, officer of the New Town Development Authority, with a demand to retain the proposed cemetery at Old Sangavi for the Muslim community in the development plan. Christian communities have also initiated a signature campaign in Church to support the cause," Anwar Sheikh said.

Speaking on the issue, Prasad Gaikwad told FPJ that suggestions and objections from PCMC residents have been invited by July 14, and after that, due diligence will be given to the genuine demands of the communities.