Andorra Rejects La Plana Site for Multiconfessional Cemetery Over Aquifer Risks

A hydrogeological study has ruled out the proposed La Plana site in Escaldes-Engordany for Andorra's multiconfessional cemetery, leading the government to seek new locations.

The government-owned plot, adjacent to the existing La Plana cemetery, did not pass technical assessments. Key concerns included vehicle access difficulties and risks from underlying aquifers, such as potential soil instability and water contamination—issues that conflict with the ground burial needs of various religious communities.

The project seeks to meet demands from groups like Jews, Muslims, and Bahá'ís, facilitated by an interfaith dialogue supported by UNESCO Andorra. These communities require earth interments, differing from the cremation-focused options at current facilities.

Officials have described the effort as fulfilling electoral pledges and long-pending requests. With La Plana now rejected, the executive is evaluating alternative sites to advance the stalled initiative, which must accommodate diverse religious burial practices in the country.

Cemetery oversight rests with Andorra's communes, requiring coordinated action. No new timeline has been set, though interfaith representatives have urged swift progress to avoid prolonged delays.