Govt. launches drive to upgrade 1,803 burial and cremation grounds in State

The Government of Andhra Pradesh has launched a drive to upgrade burial and cremation grounds across all the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) following directions of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in a public interest litigation petition. A total of 1,803 such facilities have been identified in the State, highlighting the scale of the initiative.

Principal Secretary, Municipal Administration and Urban Development, S. Suresh Kumar, on Friday directed officials to ensure minimum service standards in 15 days, warning that any lapse would be viewed seriously.

He mandated provision of functional toilets, 24×7 water supply and adequate lighting at all the sites, terming these as “non-negotiable minimum services.” Municipal Commissioners had been asked to conduct personal inspections and submit compliance reports within the deadline.

Mr. Suresh Kumar observed that maintenance of burial and cremation grounds was mandated under the municipal laws and the 12th Schedule of the Constitution.

The government also called for a detailed gap assessment and proposals for infrastructure augmentation, including compound walls and sanitation systems, while strengthening local management committees.

A State-level committee, headed by the Chief Secretary, had been constituted to review facilities and recommend measures, as per the directions of the High Court.

The government reiterated that maintenance of such grounds was a statutory responsibility, and assured strict monitoring of compliance.