The Himachal Pradesh High Court has recently directed the Heritage Committee represented by the state government to conduct an inspection of the heritage cemetery at Kanlog in Shimla.
The orders were passed by the division bench comprising Justices Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Virender Singh on a petition filed by the local residents alleging demolition of the the Kanlog Cemetery (historical heritage site).
The Committee shall also point out the violations, if any, of the Ancient Monuments & Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
The petitioners alleged that they were deeply disturbed by the ongoing havoc of this sacred location and also contended that Kanlog Cemetery was one of the oldest cemeteries in the country with its graves dating back to 1850.
The petitioners claimed that this final resting place of both Christians & Parsis has an immense national significance that holds the memories of several important individuals which were intended to be preserved & maintained as a prime heritage and historical site.
However, instead of honoring its historical value, the cemetery has fallen victim to uncertified activities in recent years.
It was alleged that the Poster and his trust were entrusted the responsibility to maintain the cemetery but private interests took succession over preservation efforts and large-scale unauthorized constructions that have tempered with the character of the sites.
However, these precious features have been replaced with unsightly metal sheets that obstruct visibility.
Also, the court directed that no construction shall be raised and no car shall be parked at the site in question and also no person, authority or people shall organize any private/religious functions in the cemetery till further orders.
The Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Shimla has been directed to directly visit the site and ensure due compliance with the orders of the High Court while submitting the status report before the next date of hearing May 31.
