T govt mulls making such spaces mandatory in new building norms
Pool, gym, clubhouse — but no place to mourn
Hyderabad: Modern gated communities in hi-tech Hyderabad are packed with amenities — swimming pools, gyms, clubhouses, landscaped gardens, children’s play areas and even spaces for yoga and meditation. But residents here are now seeking one more essential facility: a dedicated space to bid their dead a dignified farewell.To push the demand, members of the Citizens Council Cyberabad — comprising multiple residential societies across Gachibowli, Tellapur, Kukatpally, Miyapur and Nallagandla, among others — have written to various wings of the Telangana government, seeking a separate mourning room to be made mandatory in all new constructions. The objective is to allow friends, neighbours and well-wishers to gather and pay their last respects before the funeral.“We have urged authorities to make a small, dignified and neutral space for mourning and condolence ceremonies mandatory in all new high rises and large gated communities. They can incorporate the requirement, wherever feasible, into building permission, layout and urban development norms for future projects,” said Sitaram Dhulipala, chairman, Citizens Council, referring to a letter sent to the dept of municipal administration and urban development (MAUD). The group has also written to the Cyberabad municipal corporation and Hyderabad metropolitan development authority.Taking note of the demand, state govt officials said they are seriously considering it, given the “practical difficulties families face following a death in high-rise communities”. “We are mulling adding this clause to the new building rules. We will place the proposal before the public for consultation soon before taking a final call,” said Jayesh Ranjan, special chief secretary, MAUD.Apart from the government, residents’ groups have also approached the Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (Credai)-Hyderabad with a similar demand. “We have asked the industry body to recommend developers provide a common space in upcoming projects where mortal remains can be kept temporarily, allowing relatives and neighbours to pay their last respects and conduct customary rituals or condolence gatherings without disrupting other common facilities,” said Chelikani Rao, founder of the Confederation of Resident Welfare Associations.Residents said the absence of such facilities can at times lead to uncomfortable and undignified situations. Lavanya R, a Tellapur resident, recalled how her family faced pressure from an apartment association to move her aunt’s mortal remains to the parking area after her death. “A place like this along with freezer boxes is an urgent requirement. Even a consortium of RWAs in a particular area can jointly procure one,” she suggested.Turns out, some communities have already taken the lead. “In recent times, at least 10 gated communities in our area have come up with dedicated spaces for condolence meets. This is not merely a religious issue but one of human dignity and humane urban planning. More communities must join hands in this initiative,” said E Ramana, president of the Tellapur Neighbourhood Association.
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