Burial grounds to be better designed with more facilities

The civic body has planned for landscaping and habitat conservation at burial grounds in the city.

Landscaping designs will be selected for burial grounds in neighbourhoods such as Velangadu (Anna Nagar), Mylapore, Moolakothalam, Nungambakkam, Virugambakkam and Kasimedu.

“The landscaped burial grounds will have decorative elements and a geometrically-regular pattern. We will balance the need for trees and burial markers. The burial grounds will continue to provide specific genealogical information on ancestors and reflect the changing attitude towards burials and public landscapes,” said an official of the Chennai Corporation.

Trees, shrubs and lawns are expected to clear the air of desolation at 210 burial grounds, in 15 zones of the city. The existing burial grounds are in a deplorable state as a result of vandalism, and pose health risks due to pollution.

Adequate stormwater drains and pathways to connect buildings and cremation areas will be created on the premises. Facilities to reduce public health risks will also be commissioned.

An estimate for landscaping around one-fifth of the Velangadu burial ground is likely to be prepared this month.

The civic body will identify encroachments on the premises of burial grounds across the city shortly. A number of burial grounds in areas including Moolakothalam have recorded a rise in the number of encroachments over the past few years, said an official.

Last year, the city recorded 57,755 deaths in the 15 zones. Royapuram zone had the highest number of deaths, at 13,895. Teynampet and Anna Nagar zones reported around 17,000 deaths.