BMC Delays Deonar Pet Incinerator To May 2025; Costs Rise To ₹18.22 Crore

Mumbai: While the first civic-run incinerator for pets and stray animals was opened in Malad last year, the construction of another at Deonar has faced delays for the past five years. Due to several setbacks, the project's cost has risen from Rs 17.40 crores to Rs 18.22 crores. Initially expected to be completed within 9 months, the deadline for the Deonar incinerator has now been extended to May 31, 2025.

In 2018, the BMC announced plans to set up three incinerators at Malad, Deonar, and Mahalaxmi. The total cost for the Malad and Deonar projects, including operation and maintenance, was estimated at around Rs. 17.40 crore.

The first incinerator was inaugurated at the cattle and dog pound in Evershine Nagar, Malad West, in September 2023. The construction of the pet incinerator at the Deonar abattoir was approved in July 2019, with work officially starting in 2021.

M/s. Anitha Tescott India Pvt. Ltd. has been appointed to build, operate, and transfer the facility for five years. However, due to legal issues, the originally chosen land for the project was changed to the Deonar abattoir.

The revised proposal was approved by the BMC's Building and Proposal Department in December 2023. Recently, the civic authorities approved an extension of the project deadline to May 31, 2025. These delays have increased the overall project cost by Rs. 82 lakh, according to sources.

Prior to this, there was no general crematorium for pets in the city, and the existing private facilities had long waiting periods. Most pet owners had to take their pets to the private animal crematorium at the Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals in Parel.

The incinerator at Malad has a capacity of 50 kg per hour, while the one at Deonar will have a much larger capacity of 500 kg per hour. The Mahalaxmi incinerator have a capacity of 50 kg per hour and managed by Tata Trusts, said a civic official.

* To avail of the pet cremation service, one needs to submit a death certificate issued by a municipal or registered private veterinary officer. They should also have a dog license from BMC.

* Citizens are required to submit one proof of identity: Aadhaar card, PAN Card, driving license, or ration card. Additionally, one of the following documents is needed as proof of home address: passport, driving license, electricity bill, or water bill.