BBMP Ignored Warning Signs: Bengaluru’s Only Electric Pet Crematorium Shut Since April 15

Bengaluru: The city’s sole BBMP-run electric pet crematorium in Sumanahalli has remained out of service since April 15, after its rusted chimney collapsed during a storm, damaging the furnace and rendering the facility inoperable. Despite prior warnings, the civic body failed to act, and officials now admit that repairs could take months, with no clear timeline in sight.

The incident occurred on April 14, when heavy rain and strong winds brought down the chimney, allowing water to enter the system and short-circuit the electrical furnace. Civic engineers had flagged the deteriorating structure months earlier. A letter dated December 30, 2024, from BBMP’s executive engineer (electrical) had urged immediate inspection and replacement of the corroded chimney. That request was never acted upon.

The fallout has been severe. With operations halted indefinitely, pet owners and animal welfare groups are left scrambling for options. BBMP special commissioner for animal husbandry, Suralkar Vikas Kishore, confirmed the delay. “Water entered the furnace and damaged it. Repairs will take time, but we don't have a fixed date yet. We're working with private agencies to temporarily handle pet burials.”

Constructed in 15 months at a cost of INR 2.5 crore, the Sumanahalli facility is among the largest of its kind in India. It was designed to offer a public, cost-effective cremation service for pets and stray animals in Bengaluru — a much-needed alternative to expensive private providers.

In the absence of a public facility, pet parents are forced to turn to private services, often at steep costs. Samrudhi Parikshit, who recently lost her Saint Bernard, had to pay INR 5,000 for a private burial. “If BBMP’s crematorium had been working, I wouldn't have had to spend that much. But it’s not just about the money. Our pets deserve a respectful farewell,” she said.

Sandeep Mitraan, another grieving pet owner, echoed the frustration: “We’re already mourning. Having to run around looking for options just adds to the pain. BBMP should’ve responded when the problem was first flagged.”

Animal activists have called out the civic body's lack of urgency, pointing out that a critical public utility was allowed to fail despite clear red flags. With no definitive recovery timeline and an increasing number of bereaved pet parents left without support, the shutdown underscores a deeper crisis — one of reactive governance and broken trust.