Shri K. T. Rama Rao, Hon’ble Minister of Municipal Administration and Urban Development of Telangana

Dear Sir,

PROPOSAL TO CONSTRUCT PYRE FOR CREMATION MIDST OF HIGH RISE RESIDENTIAL FLATS SHOULD BE STOPPED. This move shall effect 8000+ Residents of Towers INCOR-PBEL City, Peeramchevruvu, TSPA, Hyderabad-500091. I /we would like to bring to your attention that construction of a cremation platform has commenced in the ‘Smashana Vatika’ on the North side of our Society premises. Our enquiries have revealed that this is for the purpose of cremation (burning dead bodies). The decision to construct the PYRE was taken by Mayor, Bandlaguda Jagir unilaterally without consulting any residents of the society, affecting the sentiments to a large extent. The PYRE has a direct view of 40 flats in L Tower, 40 flats in K Tower, 20 flats in J Tower, all having 20 floors. Another M Tower is ready for handing over with 40 flats facing the PYRE. The community has more than 2200 flats. Others shall have the ill effects of pollution, smell, dust etc from the PYRE. 100 flats residents have to view cremation of dead bodies directly from their balconies.

2. Construction work is going on at a fast pace and the Project is likely to be commissioned very shortly. It has generated fear among residents as the site is clearly visible, being next to the PBEL compound wall, this is also creating worries on consequences to witness such ritual on regular basis. As the process of cremation lasts for a considerably long time, it will create a scary/ frightening picture and many residents (including children and elders) will be compelled to witness proceedings as many flats are in high-rise towers facing the burial ground.

3. The residents of other Towers have expressed the same concern about the burning of massive piles of wood for each cremation and the after-effects of ashes and smoke continuously billowing for hours, sometimes continuing late into the night. Such instances will leave major impact on the psychological, mental, and emotional state of Residents. We all must agree that the smoke emanating from funeral pyres will also engulf other Towers not directly facing the burial ground and as such it is not considered auspicious to live next to the Crematorium. It will also cause air pollution and environmental impact due to the burning of dead bodies.

4. On 16th July 2022, Residents have taken up the matter with Mayor, Bandlaguda Jagir Municipality by submitting a Petition, but did not receive any positive response.

With regards

Yours sincerely,

Residents of PBEL City & supporters

Peeramcheruvu