BANGALORE: Development has reached to an extent where the City is facing acute shortage of land to bury their dead. City Express reports on issues faced by the Khuddus Saheb’s Burial Ground at Jayamahal Road.The Khuddus Saheb’s burial ground is one of the oldest burial ground, which dates back to over 250 years. The ground was provided by the late Saint Khuddus Saheb in the 18th century. This is one among the four Muslim burial grounds in the City. The grounds are managed by Jumma Masjid Trust Board, who look after the maintenance of the grounds. The Khudus Saheb’s Burial Grounds is well maintained and the eternal home of over five lakh bodies. The manager of the grounds Mohammad Ali said, “The land was divided into North and South because of development work on Jayamahal Main Road. This being one of the first burial grounds in the City, many family members cast away their loss in this ground, so that they can stay close to forefathers and their generation. The entire South portion is filled and the North will soon be filled in the next couple of months. On request, we allow family members to reuse the same grave after a period of time, if the family is of the same generation.” The trust has been requesting various civic agencies to allot them land to bury their dead. Ali explained, “The trust appealed to the government requesting them for more land. However they didn’t respond to our request. We appealed time and again, but our efforts went in vain.”There are volunteers who look after the ground regularly. The supervisor of the ground said, “On God’s call, everyday we have over three bodies that come to be buried here. We have helpers who dig the grave for the families and also help them if they require any materials for the ritual practices. There are also volunteers who clean the place regularly.” What makes this burial ground, a place of historical and religious importance is that the ground is the home of seven Sufi saints.
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