Whenever there is a proposal for shifting a burial ground, there is bound to be resistance from local residents. However, that cannot become a reason for government officials to allow burial of bodies in close proximity to natural water streams used for drinking, washing and other purposes, the Madras High Court has said.
Justice N. Anand Venkatesh quashed Salem Collector’s December 11, 2020 order withdrawing the May 20, 2020 decision to shift a burial ground from one survey number to another at Puliyur village situated on the way from Yercaud to Cauvery peak. The decision was withdrawn following Tahsildar’s report highlighting public resistance.
Unhappy with such official action, the judge wrote: “The State and its instrumentalities must keep in mind that they must always look at the larger picture and as between maintaining a water stream and hardship caused due to the shifting of the burial ground, the former must get an upper hand since it has long term implications.”
