Measure distance between crematoriums in Hudkeshwar: HC

Nagpur: Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court on Thursday directed collector to measure distance between two crematoriums located in Survey no. 9 of Mouza-Hudkeshwar (Buzurk) and submit report within a week.
The directives came while hearing a PIL by residents of Atharva Enclave who opposed construction of crematorium between Zilla Parishad and School of Scholars (SOS). Through their counsel Firdos Mirza, the residents contended that already there are three crematoriums in the area with one located at just 815 metres.However, assistant government pleader Sangita Jachak informed the court that second crematorium was located at 2-3 kms.
A division bench comprising justice Bhushan Gavai and justice Vinay Deshpande asked her to provide exact distances and even orally warned that in case of false affidavit by the officials, they would be sent to jail.
Earlier, Mirza informed that the NMC decided to develop the Hudkeshwar (Buzurk) for cremation, which is adjacent to Atharva Enclave. Burning of bodies will pollute the environment while daily sight mourning people and will adversely affect the growth of schoolchildren.
The residents submitted a representation to chief minister, mayor and chairman of National Human Rights Commission, opposing the crematorium. They also visited NMC commissioner and collector, but failed to receive response from any one till date. Mirza argued that no inspection was carried out by NMC required as per Section 323 (1) of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act.