Dibrugarh: A century-old British cemetery in Assam’s Dibrugarh town is in a neglected condition, despite its potential to be developed as a heritage tourism site.
Located along Assam Trunk Road near India Club, the cemetery covers 68,608 square feet. It is approximately 168 feet long and 2,556 feet wide, according to available records.
The cemetery is the final resting place of William Alexander Mackenzie Duncan, who died at the age of 29 while serving as Deputy Commissioner of Dibrugarh, then the headquarters of undivided Lakhimpur district.
A total of 103 British nationals were buried at the cemetery, which was built in 1862-63 at a cost of Rs 4,812. Official records show that the first person buried there was 33-year-old British corporal Thomas Trail. The cemetery also contains the grave of John Henry Wagentreiber, dated 1776.
A senior citizen familiar with the site said the cemetery could be developed as a tourist attraction. However, the upkeep of the site has remained a concern, with the district administration facing allegations of neglect.
Some renovation work has reportedly been carried out at the cemetery, but residents said more work and regular maintenance are needed.
The condition of the cemetery has led to calls for greater attention to Dibrugarh’s colonial-era heritage. Conservation and regular maintenance of the site could help preserve its historical character and develop it as a heritage tourism site.
Local residents alleged that funds had been sanctioned for the cemetery on several occasions but were misused.
“Funds were allotted for this project but it was misused. The people lack vision. The Dibrugarh district administration should take steps to develop it as a tourist site,” said Anjan Nath, a resident of Dibrugarh.
He added, “The Dibrugarh Christian cemetery has lots of potential to become a tourist site but due to the negligence of the district administration, it cannot be developed as a tourist site. Lots of tourists come to Dibrugarh. If proper renovation can be done with proper maintenance, it can grow as a tourist place.”
Bipul Das, caretaker of the Christian cemetery, said, “Since 2008, I am taking care of this cemetery. I cut the jungles and try my best to clean the cemetery. Some people come and urinate over here. When I oppose them, they argue with me. Maintenance is one of the issues. I alone cannot keep the cemetery clean.”