Deluge of rain turns graveyards into ponds
Heavy rains not only inundated several low-lying areas in Rawalpindi but also inundated all 56 graveyards, which have turned into ponds.
After the heavy rains, graveyards in Rawalpindi have become the epicentre of the spread of dengue larvae as stagnant water could not be removed.
The wild growth of weeds and plants in the district’s 55 cemeteries continues to provide sanctuary to the mosquito larvae. Because of the improper drainage system, rainwater is also stagnant in cemeteries, proving the ideal breeding ground for the growth of mosquitoes.
After the latest pre-monsoon rains, weeds and bushes have grown up to five feet in many cemeteries, also hiding most of the graves as the district administration has failed to maintain the upkeep of graveyards.
During Eid days, citizens and families faced difficulties in reaching the graveyards to lay wreaths and offer prayers at the graves of their loved ones.
Health experts say the growth of weeds, plants, and herbs has made cemeteries a breeding place for dengue mosquitoes. The increase has also led to an influx of sheep and goats to cemeteries. Many goats and sheep graze in graveyards all day long.
The Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation and Cantonment boards appear to be failing in their responsibilities to protect and maintain cleanliness in cemeteries. Currently, all 54 graveyards in Rawalpindi city and the Cantonment are filled to capacity. A project to construct a new graveyard on a 2,000-kanal of land in Dhamyal Rakh has been pending for the last 19 years.
There is no room for new graves in all the cemeteries of the city and Cantonment, but the gravedigger mafia is busy digging the space for new graves by demolishing the old damaged and unmarked graves in the darkness of night.
Currently, all cemeteries in the city have fallen into the hands of the graveyard mafia who charge as much as up to Rs34,000 for digging a grave. The graves that were not visited by families were being demolished by these people to build new ones.
On the one hand, the cost of flower petals and Chaddar has also soared tremendously. A kilogram of rose petals costs Rs350, a Chaddar of artificial flowers costs Rs250–500, a Chaddar of fresh flowers costs Rs700, and the finest Chaddar costs Rs1,000.
Additionally, the cost of rosewater and incense sticks has also increased. Many families including women and children reached graveyards to shower flowers and offer special prayers at the graves of their loved ones despite the heavy rains and mud.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 14th, 2022.