CM approves special grant of 1billion for graveyards

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has given approval to a grant of one billion rupees under a comprehensive project for improving the condition of graveyards throughout the province in Annual Development Programme 2012-13 which will be distributed as per population criteria recorded in the last census in every district.

Under this grant, Rs.34.4 million have been allocated for district Bahawalpur, Rs.27.3 million for Bahawalnawar, Rs.45.04 million for Rahim Yar Khan, Rs.23.8 million for DG Khan, Rs.15.9 million for Layyah, Rs.38.4 million for Muzaffargarh, Rs.15.4 million for Rajanpur, Rs.72.7 million for Faisalabad, Rs.12.2 million for Chiniot, Rs.24.4 million for Jhang, Rs.20.9 million for Toba Tek Singh, Rs.47.09 million for Gujranwala, Rs.26.68 million for Gujrat, Rs.10.8 million for Hafizabad, Rs.14.5 million for Mandi Bahauddin, Rs.16.05 million for Narowal, Rs.36.32 million for Sialkot, Rs.93.02 million for Lahore, Rs.32.19 million for Kasur, Rs.15.8 million for Nankana Sahib, Rs.27.9 million for Sheikhupura, Rs.42.6 million for Multan, Rs.27.5 million for Khanewal, Rs.16.06 million for Lodhran, Rs.28.5 million for Vehari, Rs.46.18 million for Rawalpindi, Rs.16.6 million for Attock, Rs.13.78 million for Chakwal, Rs.12.01 million for Jhelum, Rs.23.8 million for Sahiwal, Rs.29.6 million for Okara, Rs.17.2 million for Pakpattan, Rs.33.84 million for Sargodha, Rs.14.37 million for Bhakkar, Rs.11.5 million for Khushab and Rs.13.94 million for Mianwali.

The Chief Minister directed the Divisional Commissioners to implement this scheme. They have been asked to immediately complete survey of graveyards as per ratio of population in every district and ensure implementation on this scheme within shortest period through DCOs. DCO of every district will get constructed boundary walls of graveyards at tehsil level, identify encroachments and their removal, construct cemented place and shed for ‘Namaz-e-Janaza’, drainage of water from graveyards and proper arrangements for lighting. In case of shortage of funds, such graveyards will be given priority where at least 40 percent place is vacant and could be utilized in future. Punjab Chief Minister has also directed that Planning and Development Department will give approval to the standard design of boundary wall for the graveyards and DCOs will ensure uniform implementation. Similarly, Planning and Development Department will also inform about the cost of per unit construction whereas DCO of each district will start work up to January 31, 2013 and Divisional Commissioner will submit fortnightly report about the pace of work on the project to the Chief Minister Punjab.