Telangana Mulls Mandatory Mourning Spaces in New High-Rise Rules

The Telangana government is considering introducing mandatory provisions for dedicated mourning and condolence spaces in new building rules, following representations from residents across Cyberabad neighbourhoods including Gachibowli, Tellapur, Kukatpally, Miyapur, and Nallagandla.

Members of the Citizens Council Cyberabad, representing multiple residential societies in the western corridor, submitted representations to the Department of Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD), the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority, and the Cyberabad Municipal Corporation. The residents have called for space to be earmarked in all future high-rise developments and gated communities where families can keep mortal remains and receive visitors before funerals.

According to the residents, while modern apartment complexes are built with amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, clubhouses, and yoga facilities, they lack common spaces to handle bereavements with dignity.

Jayesh Ranjan, special chief secretary for MAUD, confirmed that the administration is actively examining the request due to the practical challenges faced by families living in high-rise apartments. He stated that the government is considering adding the requirement to new building regulations and will place the draft proposal before the public for consultation before finalising the policy.

Sitaram Dhulipala, chairman of the Citizens Council Cyberabad, noted in the council's letter to MAUD that authorities should incorporate neutral mourning spaces into planning permissions and layout norms for upcoming projects wherever feasible.

Residents' groups have simultaneously approached the Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (Credai) Hyderabad. Chelikani Rao, founder of the Confederation of Resident Welfare Associations, stated that the industry body was urged to advise builders to incorporate common rooms in upcoming layouts so that rituals and condolence visits can occur without disrupting other shared amenities.

Local residents pointed out that families currently face difficult conditions during bereavements. Lavanya R, a resident of Tellapur, recounted an instance where an apartment association pressured her family to move a deceased relative's mortal remains to a basement parking area, emphasizing the urgent need for designated spaces and freezer box facilities.

Some societies in the area have already implemented such arrangements voluntarily. E Ramana, president of the Tellapur Neighbourhood Association, stated that at least 10 gated communities in the locality have recently created dedicated rooms for condolence gatherings, describing the provision as a necessary standard for humane urban planning.