Title: Christian Cemetery in Indore Finds Innovative Solution with Multi-Tier Graves to Overcome Land Shortage
A Christian cemetery in Indore, Madhya Pradesh has come up with a groundbreaking solution to address the scarcity of land for burials. With the aim of accommodating more bodies in a limited area, the cemetery has constructed 64 multi-tier, reusable graves, potentially allowing for the burial of up to four bodies in each grave.
The initiative, carried out at the Kanchan Bagh cemetery, was finalized after reaching a consensus within the local community. The project was developed in response to the pressing need for additional burial space in the face of dwindling land availability. Bishop Chako Thottumarickal of the Indore Catholic Diocese explained that the graves are designed to have multiple layers, with the lowest tier intentionally left empty to be utilized for future burials five or more years down the line.
Measuring 4.5 feet wide, 6.5 feet long, and with a depth of 16 feet, these multi-tier graves feature ample space for inscribing headstones, making them a unique and innovative solution for the region. It is believed that this arrangement could be the first of its kind in the entire country.
Addressing the concerns surrounding the traditional act of sprinkling soil on a loved one’s body during the burial, Bishop Thottumarickal acknowledged the emotional attachment associated with this practice. However, he emphasized the need for the community to adapt to changing times. Instead of sprinkling soil, flowers will be thrown onto the caskets in these modern graves. This adjustment allows for a more space-efficient burial method without compromising the emotional aspect.
Considering the success of this initial phase, plans are underway to construct additional multi-tier graves in three subsequent phases. Altogether, these cemetery expansions will enable the burial of up to 1,000 bodies. The Catholic community, which had been relying on another cemetery in the Juni area of Indore, has gradually shifted to Kanchan Bagh due to the lack of available space elsewhere. Currently, approximately 100 burials are taking place at the Kanchan Bagh cemetery each year.
It is important to note that this innovative approach aims to address the practical challenges of land scarcity while respecting the sentiments and emotions associated with burial traditions. The Catholic community in Indore has willingly embraced this unique solution, understanding that adapting to changing circumstances is crucial for the welfare of the entire community.
As the multi-tier graves in Indore’s Christian cemetery provide a viable and sustainable solution to the ongoing land shortage problem, they serve as an example of how innovation can prevail even in the most traditional contexts. By encouraging dialogue and collaborative decision-making within the community, these graves offer a poignant reminder that progress can be achieved while honoring the values and customs that are deeply rooted in the region.
