Bombay HC Seeks Update from BMC on Delayed Pet Crematorium at Deonar

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to respond to a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) concerning the absence of electric crematorium facilities for pet animals in Mumbai. The court initiated the PIL on June 11 after taking cognisance of a news report published in Loksatta on May 8.

According to the report, a proposed animal crematorium at the Deonar slaughterhouse has faced delays. The BMC had earlier set up a natural gas-based crematorium for pets and strays in Malad in September 2023. Following public response, the civic body decided to construct a second facility at Deonar, but progress has reportedly stalled.

The article further noted that construction on the Deonar site, which was supposed to be completed last year, was affected by technical issues in establishing a gas connection.

With monsoon well underway, work is expected to slow further, possibly delaying access to the facility for several more months. Once operational, the crematorium will have a capacity of 50 kg and will be able to cremate roughly five animals weighing 10-12 kg each at a time.

Appearing on behalf of the BMC, Advocate Oorja Dhond informed the bench that the civic body would submit a formal update on the project. She also mentioned that an electric crematorium for animals is already operational in the Mahalakshmi area of South Mumbai.

“Are you providing more electric crematoriums? Malad crematorium is already functional? It has been pending. How much time will it take?” the bench questioned BMC. The BMC’s counsel requested additional time to submit its reply. 

The matter has been posted for further hearing in two weeks.