While some cemeteries in the city are on the verge of closing down, in fear that an impending third wave of the Coronavirus could result in a chronic shortage of graves, the Juma Masjid Trust-owned Bada Qabristan in South Mumbai is confident of accommodating more than 3,000 burials at this point—despite the rising number of Covid-19 deaths.

According to Juma Masjid Trustee Shoaib Khatib, the ample burial space at Bada Qabristan is due to two reasons. “During the first wave last year, we had divided the entire cemetery into two parts: general and Covid-19,” he said, speaking with mid-day. “Secondly, we have ensured that the burial space for each grave is exactly 3.5 feet [breadth] x 7 feet [length]. This has been done with proper planning, resulting in more of overall burial space.”