BMC’s Road Expansion Project Hits Deadlock as Catholics Protest Against Razing Cemetery

Mumbai – BMC’s road widening project has met with severe resistance as the parishioners of Orlem church have objected to the Corporation’s initial plans of razing the cemetery adjacent to the church to create space to widen the road.

The BMC has already sent notices to the church and concerned residents and has received several letters of protests from them.

According to Natty Macwan, a resident of Orlem, her daughter was buried in that cemetery and she would “never allow the BMC to take such a drastic step.”

Dolly D’Lima, another Orlem resident and whose father–in–law was buried in the cemetery, when asked about BMC’s road expansion plans, countered, “Many families have personal graves there for which they pay tax. How can they allow the cemetery to be chipped away?”

The Orlem road widening is part of a bigger city–wide project taken up by the BMC. However, the BMC has confirmed that they have not yet finalized the plan, but have merely informed the church because acquisition of the cemetery land is important to the project.

“We agree that it is a sentimental issue for Christians but we would like their co–operation for the sake of development,” disclosed a P–north ward officer, on condition of anonymity.

The church that has been looking after the spiritual needs of over 20,000 Catholics who live in the neighborhood, however, is yet to take a firm stand on the issue.

“People are bound to be sensitive. However, we haven’t taken a decision yet. We have briefed the parishioners about this matters and will consider their views and opinions before finalizing anything,” said Father Alex Carvalho.

Besides sentimental issues, residents are also worried about the practicalities of removing a graveyard. “Ours is the biggest parish in Asia. Even this graveyard is not sufficient for us. If this is also removed, where will our dead be buried?” asked Dolphy D’Souza, resident of Mith Chowky.

Besides, the residents of the neighborhood have also argued that broadening the road at Orlem will not solve the traffic congestion as the wrong section of the road is planned for expansion. According to many, the road expansion will create a bigger bottleneck around the region and the cemetery is being unnecessary targeted.

However, many have taken a moderate view and in fact have welcomed the road expansion plan of BMC. “Development is very important. We have already been allotted a graveyard of 70,000 square feet at Asmita Jyoti Cross and, therefore, people shouldn't complain about lack of space for burial,” said Terrence D’Souza, PRO, Malad Activists for Social Service and a resident of Lourdes Colony. “The people protesting against BMC’s project are those who have personal graves. The BMC says it will allot space to them in the other burial ground. The Catholic community should understand that infrastructure is important. Many accidents take place at this junction and road–widening will only prevent that.”

Joyce D’Souza, though annoyed at BMC’s plans for her father’s grave is in the cemetery, expressed, however, that she “will go by whatever the parish priest decides.”

“We will have a common meeting in the church and must come to a conclusion,” she said, but adding, “The BMC should allot alternate space for burial if they have to demolish the cemetery.”

The BMC should allot alternate space for burial if they have to demolish the cemetery.”

According to the BMC, by widening this road, the jam at the Orlem church will be reduced. “We cannot widen the road before the church, since there are a lot of buildings and markets there,” explained a P–north ward official, on condition of anonymity.

“The entire stretch of Marve Road from Orlem will be widened to the line of St Joseph School. In order to widen the road, either the entire cemetery or a part of it will need to be razed,” he said. “Even though the land belongs to the church, they may have to give the land to the BMC.”

On Nov 29 Dr Kishore Kshirsagar, ward officer, P–north ward met with Orlem church parish priest Fr. Salvador Rodrigues to discuss the acquisition of Orlem cemetery for the BMC’s road widening project.

“We will follow proper channels and discuss this matter with the required people. Till then, we do not want to comment upon the issue,” said Fr. Rodrigues, adding that earlier reports have unnecessarily sensationalized the issue.

According to Kshirsagar, the parishioners feel that the cemetery is of religious importance and that the church is willing to co–operate with the BMC if a peaceful solution can be found.

In the meanwhile, the BMC has promised that they will conduct a few more meetings with the parish priest and arrive at a consensus. “The process of dialogue has just begun and we are hopeful that a mutual agreement can be arrived at,” he said.