Jammu to Soon Get an Electric Animal Crematorium

Jammu: An electric animal crematorium is set to open at Kot Bhalwal, giving pet owners a dedicated facility to cremate deceased animals. Built by the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), the facility is ready and is awaiting approval from the J&K Pollution Control Board before it can begin operations.

The JMC Commissioner said, “Consent to operate is needed from the J&K Pollution Control Board,” adding that the facility is expected to start services once the approval is received. The project was planned under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) as an e-crematorium for animals.

Built on around 2 kanals of land near the JMC dumping station, the facility has cost approximately INR 70 to 80 lakh. Its electrical chamber can accommodate an animal weighing up to 70 to 80 kg at a time.

The facility will cater to smaller animals, including dogs, cats, goats, small calves and sheep. JMC Principal Veterinary Officer said it would provide pet owners with a “respectful and pollution free cremation” option.

The official also highlighted its potential to address sanitation concerns linked to the unplanned disposal of animal carcasses. JMC has not yet decided whether the service will be free or chargeable.

For larger animals, JMC currently collects carcasses and buries them in deep pits near the Kot Bhalwal dumping sites.