Book your burial place in Lucknow in advance before it gets too late!

It is said that all one needs is a small piece of land after death, but if Muslim and Christian leaders are to be believed, increasing encroachment of land, is creating a grave shortage of burial space.

By Kamna Mathur

Lucknow, Aug.10 : It is said that all one needs is a small piece of land after death, but if Muslim and Christian leaders are to be believed, increasing encroachment of land, is creating a grave shortage of burial space.

To counter this problem, reservation of burial space in advance at cemeteries and graveyards is being thought of seriously.

"People want to stay close to their loved ones, so, they reserve their graves next to them. That is why more and more people are reserving their graves in advance," said Anil Stofins, the caretaker of the "Gora Kabristan" a graveyard for Christians.

Many people fear if encroachment does not stop soon, the public at large could face major difficulties.

"People are worried whether they would be able to get space for their graves or not," said Mansoor Elahi, the caretaker of the Imambara Gufranmab, a Muslim graveyard.

At present, an annual charge of 550 rupees is required to book a burial spot. A standard piece of land measures six feet in length and three feet in width.

Interestingly, out of the 37 Christian cemeteries in Lucknow, only two are left with some vacant space, while the rest have reached saturation point. There are 75 graveyards for Muslims.

As per the records of the Lucknow Municipal Corporation, there are 323 graveyards and cremation grounds in the city.

ANI