By Fr McEnroe Lopes SDB for BIS Mumbai

 Ahilyanagar, October 27, 2026: In a significant initiative reflecting unity and collective responsibility, priests, pastors, and representatives of all Christian churches in Ahilyanagar have come together to address concerns regarding the maintenance, cleanliness, and protection of Christian cemeteries in the city.

 The Christian community in Ahilyanagar has two cemeteries: one in Siddharth Nagar and the other in Bhingar Cantonment. Both are important places of remembrance, prayer, and burial for the Christian community and deserve proper care, cleanliness, and dignity.

 The Siddharth Nagar cemetery falls under the jurisdiction of the Ahilyanagar Municipal Corporation. Taking personal initiative, Municipal Commissioner Mr Dange led the cleanliness drive at the cemetery, accompanied by municipal staff and representatives of various churches. His direct involvement and cooperation were appreciated by the Christian community, as the initiative helped address concerns regarding the upkeep of the burial ground.

 The second cemetery, located in Bhingar Cantonment, comes under the jurisdiction of the Ahilyanagar Cantonment Board. The cemetery has been facing serious difficulties due to the absence of proper fencing. As a result, some civilians have been using the premises as a dumping ground, creating unhygienic conditions and causing hindrances to Christian burial services.

 To address this concern, a united delegation of priests, pastors, and representatives of all Christian churches met the CEO of the Ahilyanagar Cantonment Board, Mr Vikas Vishnavi. Representing the Catholic churches, Fr McEnroe Lopes and Fr Vishwas Pereira participated in the meeting held on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

 The delegation submitted a formal application requesting the official demarcation of the cemetery property, proper fencing to secure its boundaries, regular maintenance and cleanliness, and effective measures to prevent unauthorised dumping. They emphasised the urgent need to protect the sanctity and dignity of the cemetery and ensure that Christian burial services can take place without obstruction.

 Mr Vikas Vishnavi gave the delegation a patient hearing and responded positively to the concerns raised. He assured the representatives of his full support and cooperation and stated that he would personally follow up on the matter to facilitate appropriate action.

 These initiatives reflect the united efforts of all Christian churches in Ahilyanagar to safeguard their cemeteries. As the Christian community prepares for ‘All Souls Day’ in the first week of November, the Christian community expresses its gratitude to both civic authorities for their positive response and cooperation and looks forward to the timely implementation of the requested measures to ensure that both cemeteries remain clean, secure, and dignified places of rest for the departed.