Now, Mumbai’s strays have a cemetry to call their own

Though the facility is free, the BMC bears the cost of roughly Rs 3,500 per animal

The BMC's electric cemetery facility at Malad West, which was inaugurated last month, has been used for 171 animals so far - an average of six per day. A majority of animals taken to the facility have been stray dogs and cats. The BMC spends roughly R3,500 per animal and is looking for alternatives, so that the cost can be shared in the future.

For many years, animal lovers had been demanding a scientific cremation facility. The much-awaited facility at Malad which was approved in 2019 was completed on September 15, 2023. It is aimed at providing dignified funeral facilities for small pets and stray animals. This is the only corporation facility for animals in the entire city, and the service is free.

The General Manager of the BMC's Deonar Abattoir, Kalimpasha Pathan said, "Mostly, animal lovers come with stray animals. Though the facility is free for people, the BMC bears the cost of around Rs 3,500 per animal. We want to share the cost with NGOs, or other initiatives." One of the alternatives is to charge a nominal fee, but as most of the animals are stray, that won't be sustainable.

Also read: The mind games of the media

The capacity of this combustion system is 50 kg per hour. The natural gas-based combustion technology it employs is also scientifically- and environmentally-friendly. A death certificate from a municipal or private registered veterinary officer is required for cremations. Although the facility is located in Malad, it can be used by animal lovers across the city. It is available every day, from 10 am to 6 pm. The mobile number for contacting this facility is 8873887364.