Vasai-Virar civic chief passes order over space crunch; AMC says there is no risk, but deputy commissioner says it might spread infections
The Jama Masjid Papdi Qabristan in Vasai
Vasai Virar City Municipal Commissioner D Gangatharan issued a verbal order on Monday, allowing the use of graveyards meant to bury non-COVID victims for those felled by the virus. The directive came after a handful of people from the Muslim community met the civic chief expressing concerns over lack of space for the victims of Coronavirus.
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AMC Premsing Jadhav is in charge of disposing of COVID bodies. Pics/Hanif Patel
“After the onset of pandemic, a special area was carved out at cemeteries to bury COVID bodies. But now all such special areas are full and we are facing a lot of problems in burying COVID bodies. So, we met the commissioner who assured us to resolve the issue,” said Fazle Haque Qureshi.
Assistant Municipal Commissioner VVCMC Premsing Jadhav said the directive was as per norms. “Now, COVID bodies can be cremated anywhere in Qabristan if the special area carved out for burying it is full. The commissioner has passed keeping the COVID guidelines in mind,” Jadhav told mid-day.
About the possibility of infection spreading because of the bodies, Jadhav said, “When a person dies of COVID-19 infection, it is wrapped in a plastic bag on which disinfectant is sprayed. How can infection spread if disinfectant is sprayed on the plastic bag under which the COVID body is wrapped?” “Once the body is buried, no amount of COVID virus will spread. This is what I think,” said Jadhav, who has been given the charge to dispose of COVID bodies.
Deputy Municipal Commissioner Kishore Gavas differed. He said, “I don’t know if such an order has been passed or not, but if it is true, the infection will further spread….Premsing Jadhav is the correct person to comment on such order.”
This reporter visited Jama Masjid Papdi Qabristan in Vasai where about 7,500 sq-ft has been separated with tin sheets to bury only COVID muslim bodies. “All the area is fully occupied now. We are facing a problem in burying fresh COVID bodies in Vasai Virar and Nalasopara. I called Jadhav who told me that we can now bury the body anywhere in the Qabristan but it will be dangerous,” said Naim Nakid of Jama Masjid Trust which is registered under Wakf Board of Maharashtra.
Nakid said the Qabristan at Vasai Gaon is full. The one at Sativali will also run short of space soon, he said.
AMC Jadhav said at least 8 to 10 Muslim COVID bodies are cremated every week. He said once the second wave subsides, the problem of space crunch will be resolved.
Usman Khan of United Welfare said, “The commissioner must take a wise decision because if we bury COVID bodies anywhere in Qabristan, it will be devastating.”
Qureshi wondered why VVCMC is not allowing Sun City Ground for burial. “It is huge and can solve the problem of Vasai-Virar-Nalasopara. We requested the civic chief regarding the same and he said he will see,” said Qureshi. Jadhav said the Sun City ground is caught up in some legal tangle.
Calls and messages sent to VVCMC Commissioner D Gangatharan went unanswered.
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