BMC to set up 3 crematoriums for pets costing Rs 2 crore each

Representation pic

The BMC finally has a plan ready for setting up crematoriums for pets in the city. It has decided on constructing three at Mahalaxmi, Deonar and Malad, respectively, and spending Rs 2 crore on developing and maintaining each. Till now, the city had only one private crematorium in Borivli, run by an NGO.

Animal love
According to sources, while BMC would look after the development and maintenance of the crematoriums, a private organisation would be appointed to take care of the administrative issues and manpower on a public-private partnership basis. The BMC is likely to float tenders to appoint the private partner by June, and in the next six months the crematoriums would be opened up for the public.

Speaking to mid-day, Dr Yogesh Shetye, general director, Deonar abattoir, who also looks into animal-related issues, said, "We plan to develop three environment-friendly crematoriums for pets. At the moment, we don't know if owners cremate their pets in a proper way."

Census numbers
While there is no particular data available on the number of pets in the city, BMC's street dog census of 2014 reveals that there are 95,172 street dogs in Mumbai. According to the animal birth control programme, 69,239 dogs have been sterilised so far.

95,172
No. of street dogs in the city

69,239
No. of street dogs sterilised

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