Cheetah Camp hindu cemetery to be shifted for metro

Mumbai: The MMRDA has asked the BMC to handover a cemetery land at Cheetah Camp for the Metro 2B line. A portion of the cemetery used by Hindus will be shifted to set up a depot, and the civic body is ready to give permission for the same. The cemetery used by Muslims is also required but the plot of land that the MMRDA is offering as an alternative is not good for burials. Due to this, the BMC has not taken a decision on the matter yet.

The Metro 2B will be from D.N. Nagar to Mandale. A dedicated 22 hectare depot has been planned at Chee-tah Camp. The land for this depot falls in the cemetery of Cheetah Camp. “There are three cemeteries at Cheetah Camp. All three belong to different communities. We have discussed with the locals and only after they accepted the plan, we submitted the proposal to BMC,” said a MMRDA officer.

According to the plan, a portion of the Hindu cemetery will be used for the depot. “We will shift the Hindu cemetery. But the it will remain on the same land. We will compensate with construction work. We will provide the amenities required in a cemetery. Also, two new piers will be built. With these, there will be a total six piers at the cemetery,” said the MMRDA officer. After the renovation, there will be a gas funeral facility available too.

“We have received a proposal for the same land and after a few discussions with the MMRDA and BMC officials we have decided to give permission to shift the Hindu cemetery,” said a BMC officer