PANJIM: Welcoming the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) plan to redevelop and beautify the St Inez cemetery, which is part of St Inez Church, the Christian community on Sunday resolved that while undertaking the changes, the graves and niches should not be touched .
They also demanded that the time limit for submission of suggestions and objections be extended beyond August 31.
The parishioners of St Inez and Panjim and other stakeholders on Sunday held a meeting, wherein the architect Rahul Deshpande made presentation with regards to the plan to redevelop and beautify the cemetery.
The CCP has proposed to redevelop the burial grounds of Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities and in this regard, on August 15, the tender was also issued for Hindu crematorium and Muslim Kabrastan, located in the city.
Congress’ Canacona MLA Isidore Fernandes, ex-mayor Tony Rodrigues, social activist and former corporator Patricia Pinto were present.
However, neither City Mayor Vithal Chopdekar nor Commissioner IAS Ajit Roy attended the meeting, which irked the attendees.
The meeting was called after St Inez Church Parish informed the CCP that the community has not been taken into confidence with regards to the proposed project. No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the parish is must as the proposal includes beautification of front portion and the backside of the cemetery, which is church property while the cemetery in toto belongs to the CCP.
The resolution passed in the meeting, would be placed before Archbishop for necessary directions.
During the meeting, architect Deshpande informed that the project estimated to cost Rs 6.1 crore, will be undertaken in two phases and will be ready by 2020. He informed that the project was initiated way back in 2008-09 by Manohar Parrikar but due to legal issues it was delayed. “The project got financial sanction a month ago,” he stated.
Deshpande made a detailed presentation of the new design, which includes a new retaining wall, pavements, redoing of niches, lighting, caretaker room and stage in Phase IA while the Phase IB comprises of redevelopment of front entrance court of the church. Phase II will be systematic alignment of graves. Currently, there are 730 niches and 1205 graves.
Strongly objected to redoing of niches and alignment of graves, the community members stated that it is very sensitive issue and should not be touched. They however, permitted CCP to undertake the other developmental works on priority such as construction of retaining wall and proper parking space.
Objecting to the removal and redoing of niches and graves, Dr Barbosa said “It is very sensitive and emotional issue. Please do not touch a single grave or niche as they are sacred. Leave them where they are. I suggest that we build a structure above the existing niches to accommodate more. Priority should be given to construction of a strong retaining wall”.
The lady was rightly supported by all.
Francis Gomes questioned whether the people, whom the niches and graves belong to, will be consulted before shifting them, as it is totally impossible without their consent.
Another lady Dr Odette Lobo said these niches have sentimental value and cannot be touched just for the sake of redevelopment.
She asked the people gathered as to why we need government to spend Rs 6 crore on the project, and questioned as to why can’t we community contribute on our own.”
“There is a hidden agenda behind all this. Government will spend Rs 6 crore on the project and then hike the prices of graves and niches. This is kind of vote bank tactics ahead of elections. We don’t want government interference in our issues. It is sensitive issue and let us handle on our own,” she added.
A resident Stephen Dias raised questions over the absence of CCP officials for the crucial meeting. Deshpande, who was not in position to answer the administrative issues, suggested that a committee be formed by CCP to discuss the plan modalities.
Brian Soares and Patricia Pinto opined that the entire project should not be stalled but necessary changes as recommended can be discussed and worked upon.
Pinto said that we should work together with the architect and finalise the plan as per our requirement.
