The city’s graveyards and crematoriums are in dire need of attention and care. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), which is their custodian, is now planning to take up a project to give them a facelift.
With flower garlands, clothes and materials used for last rites often discarded, most of the graveyards and crematoriums wear an unkempt look. This prompted a few waste management experts, led by N.S. Ramakanth from the Solid Waste Management Round Table (SWMRT), to approach BBMP officials with a request to prepare an action plan for the beautification of the over 150 graveyards/burial grounds and nine crematoriums across the city. According to officials, graveyards, parks and crematoriums are also included under the Swachh Survekshan.
At a recent meeting convened by Mayor Gangambike Mallikarjun, senior BBMP officials, including Special Commissioner (Solid Waste Management) D. Randeep, and waste management experts discussed the matter.
It was found that there was no dedicated staff looking into the maintenance of graveyards and crematoriums. Vasuki Iyengar of Soil and Health Solutions, who attended the meeting, told The Hindu that though staff under the Horticulture Department oversee the maintenance of greenery on the premises, there is mostly no one to ensure cleanliness. He said the continued use of plastics and single use disposables on these premises was also noted.
Apart from putting up boards on the ban on such items at the entrance and other prominent places, the BBMP has decided to come down heavily on those caught littering. “We recommended that the waste generated, such as flower waste and other biodegradable materials used for last rites, be composted within the premises. Waste should be disposed of in the designated wet and dry bins only,” said Mr. Iyengar, adding that various mesh-type composters could be installed. “Since it is well aerated, there will be no odour. Over 500 such mesh-type composters have been installed at Cubbon Park, Lalbagh, temples and churches, apartments, gated communities, and even [on lanes] in Koramangala, Sanjayanagar and Sadashivanagar.”
Beautification of these premises will include wall art and planting more saplings to green the premises. Another recommendation at the meeting was the installation of rainwater harvesting systems.
Ms. Mallikarjun told The Hindu that the Deputy Director of the Horticulture Department has been nominated as the nodal officer for the project so that the development works can be taken up without departmental hurdles.
“The BBMP budget had set aside some funds for the maintenance of the crematoriums and graveyards. However, there is no regular maintenance, though intensive cleaning is taken up periodically,” she said.
She added that she has sought details from the officials concerned about the number of staff required to ensure regular cleaning, apart from an estimate of the funds needed.
“The action plan will be finalised by the month-end.”
