NAROWAL: The cemetery of Darianwala village has been submerged in sewage due to the lack of drainage for several days. Locals have protested the demolition of more than 250 graves due to overflowing sewage.

Residents said they often have to drain sewage from the graveyard to save the graves from being demolished. The streets and drains of Darianwala village are paved but without a drainage system. Sewage damages the crops around the village and when it is stopped from entering fields, it flows to the graveyard.

“During the rainy season, the cemetery is completely submerged,” local Muhammad Rashid said.

Abdul Qaddos and Muhammad Shahid said that human bones and skeleton can be seen floating. He said that all mud graves have been destroyed.

“We are deeply saddened by the drowning of the graves of our loved ones in dirty water,” he said.

They said they had requested the district administration and politicians to build a sewerage system but to no avail.

Locals Ulfat Bibi and Naziran Bibi said that their parents’ graves were submerged in sewage. Locals said that influential people have taken over the pond of the village, due to which the dirty water goes to the fields and graveyard.

Deputy Commissioner Nabila Irfan could not be reached for comment.

Locals have demanded immediate action from Chief Minister Usman Buzdar.

Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2021