The proposed Kabrastan at Sonsodo has again hit a dead end, much after what appeared to be a peaceful ending. It has come to light that the burial site of Muslims does not have access. This has come as a surprise in an era where access to any project or piece of land becomes a matter of intense scrutiny and a priority even before due processes are followed. Herein is a case where authorities, while trying to give a much-awaited burial to the decades-old issue, have completely forgotten the pathway to the 'final destination'.
The consultant engaged by the Goa State Urban Development Agency has pointed out that a Detailed Project Report can be prepared only after the road access is identified. The question is why the municipality did not consider options of separate road access to the area. If there was no access, why was it not brought before the court? And how was a housing project proposed earlier? It was well established that the current road access is being used for the Catholic cemetery.
Given the issue's sensitive nature and considering that religious communities were in conflict over the matter in the past, the municipality should have treaded a cautious path by undertaking a survey or acquiring a separate plot for an approach road. The option of constructing a ramp from the main road to the burial site at an additional cost of Rs 8-10 crore is impractical and may cause further conflict.
While the GSUDA is expected to place the consultant's findings and recommendations before the High Court, the access to Kabrastan appears even more complicated because of the gradient of the property, which is higher than 25 per cent putting curbs on development according to the Town and Country Planning rules. Relaxation of the TCP to facilitate the development of the remaining plot to pave the way for the approach road is again an uphill task.
Land for the Kabrastan was acquired in 2011, before the crucial 2012 assembly elections. However, much against the hurry to give the issue a timely burial, the city fathers, the local legislator and the representatives of the Jamia Masjid, Malbhat, who were present at the time of signing the agreement, did not comprehend the all-important question of access knowing well that the area acquired is positioned just above the existing Catholic cemetery.
It was in October 2022 that the High Court came hard at the MMC over the failure of providing a burial ground for the Muslim community despite acquiring land in 2011 and had asked the city fathers to complete the work as expeditiously as possible and within six months. The court slammed the MMC over "inactivity and bureaucratic obscurantism" and said there's something more than what meets the eye".
Six months later, the municipality is facing another ordeal. It is to be seen whether the civic authorities bring the two communities together and work out a compromise on Kabrastan access. But, for now, the bigger question would be how the municipality will face the court, which had already raised concerns over the sluggishness of authorities.
