Guwahati: A historic British cemetery in Dibrugarh sits in ruins. Built in 1862-63 for Rs 4,812, the 68,608-square-foot site holds 103 graves. It is 168 feet long and 2,556 feet wide. Located near India Club on Assam Trunk Road, it remains neglected by local officials. Corporal Thomas Trail, 33, was the first person buried there. The grounds also house the grave of John Henry Wagentreiber, dating to 1776, and William Alexander Mackenzie Duncan, a former Deputy Commissioner of the undivided Lakhimpur district who died at 29.
Locals say the site holds potential as a tourist destination. They point to the administration's failure to maintain the colonial landmark. Residents claim sanctioned funds for the project were misused by officials who lack vision. Anjan Nath, a local resident, noted, "Funds were allotted for this project but it was misused."
Bipul Das has served as the cemetery caretaker since 2008. He fights a losing battle against overgrowth and public disrespect. Trespassers frequently use the grounds to urinate and start arguments when confronted. Das works alone to clear the jungle and maintain the site. Residents now urge the Dibrugarh district administration to stop the decay and restore the cemetery to its proper historical state.
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