Shimla’s Kanlog Cemetery to undergo inspection by Heritage Committee following HC Order

The Himachal Pradesh government’s Heritage Committee was given an order from the state’s High Court. The court has ordered the Committee to examine the Kanlog cemetery in Shimla and to produce an in-depth progress report on the alleged breach of the interim development plan. The judgement was issued in response to a petition filed by local residents who were concerned about the destruction of the Kanlog Cemetery, a historical, cultural site. The cemetery has graves dating back to 1850 and is noted for its historical importance.

Why is Kanlog Cemetery important?

The Kanlog Cemetery, according to the petitioners, is of enormous national importance because it serves as the last burial site for both Christians and Parsis, preserving the memory of several prominent personalities. It was planned to be protected and preserved as a significant heritage and historical site. However, the petitioners say that unauthorised activities have caused significant damage to the cemetery’s integrity in the past few years.

Incompetent management led the site to its partial destruction

The Poster and his trust were charged with the job of looking after the cemetery. However, eventually, commercial interests became more important over preservation attempts. According to the petitioners, large-scale unauthorised constructions have occurred, resulting in the removal of old gates and fences. These significant assets have been demolished and replaced with unattractive metal sheets, preventing visibility and the general aesthetic of the site.

Measures to preserve the cemetery

In reaction to these issues, the court granted a number of directives for protecting the Kanlog Cemetery. For a start, no new development or vehicle parking is permitted on the property until further notice. Furthermore, no private or religious services are permitted on the cemetery grounds. These restrictions are intended to protect the cemetery’s historical value and assure its preservation.

The Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, Shimla, has been asked to personally visit the Kanlog Cemetery to supervise the implementation of the court’s guidelines. The secretary is assigned to ensure that the court’s directions are followed and must produce a full progress report before the next scheduled session. The court’s intervention and the Heritage Committee’s involvement reflect a collaborative effort to address the petitioners’ complaints and protect the Kanlog Cemetery from further unauthorised operations.