BMC to introduce three pet crematoriums in Mumbai

Prior to this, the city had only one crematorium for animals run by a non-governmental organisation (NGO).

After demands from citizens, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has made provision for three crematoriums at Mahalaxmi, Deonar, and Malad for house pets such as dogs and cats.

The proposed crematoriums will be at Mahalaxmi, Deonar, and Malad

The BMC is likely to float tenders to appoint private partners by June and the crematoriums are expected to be open for public use six months later.

The proposed crematoriums will operate on Compressed Natural Gas and the civic body will spend around Rs2 crore on the development and maintenance of the crematoriums.

Prior to this, the city had only one crematorium for animals run by a non-governmental organisation (NGO).

Dr Yogesh Shetye, general director, Deonar abattoir, said, “We have plans to develop three environment friendly crematoriums. Currently the cremations are done by the owners of these pets but whether it is the correct way or not, no one knows. These environment friendly crematoriums will be free of cost.”

According to the BMC’s street dog census of 2014 there are 95,172 street dogs in the city. Around 69, 239 dogs have been sterilized under the animal birth control programme.

Recently, the civic body made it possible to acquire pet licences online. Under Section 191 (A) of the BMC Act, it is mandatory for owners of pet dogs to obtain a licence.