Panaji: Three and a half years after the Corporation of the City of Panaji envisioned the integrated burial and cremation ground for Hindus, Muslims and other religions, the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) issued the work order for the project.GSUDA has awarded the project to Bagkiya Constructions for Rs 10.5 crore, which is 16% over the estimate of Rs 9.06 crore prepared by CCP.The project will replace the existing kabrastan and crematorium that the civic body runs in the state capital. Former mayor Surendra Furtado had floated the idea of a modern final resting place for the city’s residents.The letter of acceptance of Bagkiya Constructions’ bid and the commencement of work order was issued on January 30 by GSUDA with the clause that work has to begin within 10 days. “Time allowed for carrying out the work is 18 months, including monsoon, from the date of issue of the work order,” said chief project officer, GSUDA, Jagdish Hosamani.The foundation stone will be laid on February 4.The project is designed by architect Rahul Deshpande and conceptualises a children’s educational park in the vacant space that is currently on the site. Though the project has kept aside place for an electric or gas-powered crematorium, an electric crematorium was found financially unviable. Deshpande described the project as a place for Muslims, Hindus and other religions to have the same burial grounds.The integrated crematorium, kabrastan and burial ground for other faiths is phase I of the project. CCP also proposes to redevelop the Christian cemetery at a cost of Rs 5.2 crore.

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