The road access to the Christian cemetery at Sonsodo.
MARGAO
The Chaplain of St Joaquim Chapel, Borda-Margao, Fr Simon has been served a notice by the High Court regarding the construction of a Kabrastan (burial ground) at Sonsodo.
This action follows claims from the Advocate General that St Joaquim Chapel Committee, led by Fr Simon, obstructed consultants and officials from the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDDA) while attempting to access the site. Specifically, the committee was accused of locking the gate of a cemetery currently serving as the primary access point. Accordingly, the AG submitted that a notice should be issued to the committee of St Joaquim Chapel.
While serving the notice to Fr Simon, returnable on March 4, 2004, the High Court expressed its dissatisfaction with the lack of progress on the project and the reasons provided for the delay in commencing work.
Road access hindering progress
The thorny issue of road access to the acquired land for the Sonsodo burial ground has seemingly become a stumbling block in the construction of the kabrastan (burial ground) for the Muslim community.
This road access dilemma has also raised the key question of whether the Margao Municipal Council, during the land acquisition over a decade ago, included the existing road used by the Christian community to access their existing cemetery.
In April of last year, Rahul Deshpande & Associates, the consultants hired by the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA), highlighted that their survey revealed the access road to the acquired plot is under the possession of the Christian cemetery and is utilised by them.
To address the road access issue to the acquired land, the consultant has suggested constructing a ramp/bridge to connect the main Sonsodo road to the acquired land, with an estimated cost to the treasury of approximately Rs 8-10 crore. Alternatively, the consultant proposed installing a lift (elevator) and staircase, along with a generator, to provide access to the acquired land at a cost of Rs 1.5 crore.
Consultant flags land limitations
Despite the Margao Municipal Council acquiring land in 2011 for the proposed burial grounds at Sonsodo for all religious communities, the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) has encountered significant roadblocks in developing the project.
According to a report submitted by GSUDA-appointed consultant Rahul Deshpande & Associates, the majority of the acquired land (30,145 square metres) is unsuitable for development due to a gradient exceeding 25 per cent, which violates current Town and Country Planning regulations.
While the report proposed the construction of a kabrastan with a prayer room, 'Wazr Khana' (washing area), 'Janaza store' (coffin storage), and 'Guzul' (ritual ablution area) capable of accommodating 284 graves, the development appears restricted by land limitations.
The report sheds light on the complexities of the Sonsodo Kabrastan project, highlighting the need for potential adjustments or alternative solutions to address the land's limitations and comply with planning regulations.
