The Gorakabar graveyard in Cuttack a. Pictures by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Feb. 3: An initiative to carry out an all-round development of Gorakabar, the oldest and pre-Independence era burial ground in the city where the grave of Madhusudan Das, the architect of modern Odisha, is located, appears merely an eyewash to the local residents.

Like every year, this time, too, ahead of the death anniversary of Das on February 4, the Cuttack district administration has decided to revamp the cemetery that was established in 1822 and has been reeling from neglect for years.

It is now almost two years that the light posts inside the cemetery have been lying dysfunctional, causing problems for those coming to the graveyard to bury their loved ones. Moreover, the Cuttack Municipal Corporation has not undertaken the bush-cutting drive inside Gorakabar for months, leaving it filled with shrubs. And the problems of waterlogging and drainage at the graveyard have remained the same.

“It is only during the birth and death anniversary celebrations, we get to hear many plans for the development of Gorakabar. But so far, nothing has been materialised,” said Dilip Routray, a local resident.

Lack of co-ordination between the district administration and officials of Odia Baptist Church has led to the delay in executing development activities inside Gorakabar. Though the cemetery comes under the control of Odia Baptist Church, the civic body is entrusted with the minor works such as cleaning of bushes and maintaining the light posts at the place.

However, officials of Odia Baptist Church have welcomed the administration’s decision. “We are ready to co-operate with the administration’s plan for development of the oldest burial ground in the city,” said Odia Baptist Church counsellor and secretary of the Cuttack Christian Cultural Congregation Chandan Das.

Das said: “Most of the tombs inside Gorakabar belong to the colonial period. Though minor repair works have been carried out, it is not possible for us to preserve the heritage site because of fund crunch.”

On the other hand, district collector Girish S.N. said: “We have sought proposals from various government agencies, including the public works department, the municipal corporation, the officials of Odia Baptist Church and other youth associations for the development of Gorakabar.”

A detailed plan will be prepared to carry out development activities inside the cemetery. The proposals include installation of ornamental plants, equipping the place with sitting facilities and renovation of boundary walls.

There is also a proposal to have a separate entrance for visitors coming to Madhusmruti (grave of Madhusudan Das). However, it would be finalised after discussion with the officials of Odia Baptist Church.

In another development, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has already initiated steps to preserve Madhusmruti. The ASI is only in charge of maintaining the graveyard of Madhusudan Das.