Bombay HC Seeks BMC Reply On Delay In Electric Crematoriums For Pets; Deonar Facility Still Incomplete

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Wednesday asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to reply to a suo motu (on its own) PIL petition highlighting concerns over the lack of electric crematoriums for pet animals in Mumbai.

The court initiated a suo motu petition on June 11 based on a news report published in May stating that the construction of a crematorium for animals at the Deonar slaughterhouse was delayed.

According to the news report, in September 2023, the BMC started a natural gas-based crematorium for pets and stray animals at Malad in the western suburbs. Following a response from animal lovers, the civic body decided to have a crematorium for animals at Deonar. However, the crematorium work was delayed.

The work at Deonar facility was expected to be completed in 2024, said the report, adding that it was delayed due to technical difficulties in the gas connection. The same was further expected to slow down due to the onset of the monsoon, with residents having to wait for a few more months to avail of the service.

As per the BMC, the cremation facility will have a capacity of 50 kg and is likely to handle the cremation of five animals weighing 10-12 kg at a time.

BMC advocate, Oorja Dhond, told a bench of a bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne that besides the Deonar facility, there was an electric crematorium for animals in the Mahalakshmi area of South Mumbai. She said the civic body will provide details of the progress of the construction work at the crematorium.

“Are you providing more electric crematoriums? Malad crematorium is already functional? It has been pending. How much time will it take?” the bench asked Dhond. Dhond then sought time to file its response to the plea. The HC has kept the matter for further hearing after two weeks.

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