More than 150-yr-old Nicholson cemetery reopens

New Delhi, Oct 25 (UNI) Colonial era Nicholson Cemetery at the Inter-State Bus Terminus here, which dates back to the country's First War of Independence, has re-opened after nearly two years of renovation.

The capital's second oldest cemetery, housing several colonial-era graves, was renovated through a private initiative in collaboration with the British High Commission and opened for service yesterday.

Deriving its name from British General John Nicholson, who led troops against the sepoys during the 1857 uprising and was later buried there, the cemetery houses 5,000 graves -- mostly of British nationals.

A private security firm 'Group 4 Securicor' came up with the idea of renovating the cemetery, in association with the Britsh High Commission, after it was found that it had become a haven for criminals and drug addicts.

The 'new look' cemetry now has a new pathway and two gazebos.

A few benches have also been put up for visitors and shrubs, bushes and wild growth have been trimmed.

British High Commissioner Michael Arthur and Fr Valentine de Silva, chairman Cemetery Committee were present during the re-opening.

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