Encroachments: SHC calls for original demarcation plan of Chowkandi graveyard

The land of the graveyard has been illegally occupied by the 'land mafia'

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered the culture and heritage secretary to appear before the court with the original plan of the demarcation of land of the historic Chowkandi Graveyard, which has been encroached upon by the 'land mafia'.

This direction came after the hearing of a petition filed by Agha Syed Attallah Shah, a representative of a NGO, who alleged that precious stones and carvings on the graves were being removed and unauthorised constructions were taking place.

The Chowkandi graveyard, located on National Highway over nearly 57 acres, is one of the country's most significant national heritage sites.

According to Shah, some influential men were stealing the carved precious stones from the graveyard for their personal use. The last resting place of famous tribal personalities was being illegally occupied by influential people who want to construct hotels, houses and offices of truck stands, he added. The petitioner complained that the provincial chief secretary and the culture secretary, who are legally bound under the Sindh Cultural Heritage (Preservation) Act and the National Fund for Cultural Heritage Ordinance to preserve national heritage sites, have failed to act against those responsible for the losses to the heritage site.

"The graveyard is in a dilapidated condition," said Shah, pleading the court to direct the authorities to ensure proper maintenance of the graveyard.

In May last year, the SHC had directed the heritage and culture secretary to ensure that no illegal construction was carried out at the graveyard and that no one was allowed to vandalise the heritage site.

During Friday's hearing, the judges noted that on August 22, 2013, the secretary of the culture and heritage department was directed to file comments and report on the efforts for preservation of the site. He was also asked to file a plan showing the area of the site and explain whether any part of the land is being encroached upon.

The bench noted that the secretary had not yet complied with the orders. Therefore, he was ordered to appear before the court on February 3 with the original demarcation plan.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 17^th, 2015.