The Bombay High Court has pulled up the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) over delays in establishing dedicated crematoriums for pet animals, a civic promise first announced in 2018. In a hearing held this week, the court asked the civic administration to submit a detailed response within two weeks, reflecting mounting public concern over the lack of humane and eco-conscious facilities for pet cremation.
Taking suo motu cognisance of the issue after a media report highlighted the slow progress, the court’s bench noted that the city currently faces a significant infrastructural gap in pet aftercare. Despite a formal plan to construct crematoriums at Malad, Mahalaxmi and Deonar, only two have been made operational so far. The Malad unit, powered by piped natural gas (PNG), was commissioned in September 2023. A similar electric facility has been set up at Mahalaxmi. However, the Deonar site, which was expected to be ready by May 2025, is now facing indefinite delays due to monsoon-related technical hurdles. ivic officials appearing before the court acknowledged that while two of the three promised crematoriums were functioning, the Deonar project remained incomplete. The electric crematoriums, each with a capacity to handle animals up to 50 kilograms, are designed to serve urban pet owners seeking dignified and eco-friendly end-of-life services for their animals. However, limited access and incomplete infrastructure have forced many to rely on ad hoc or unsustainable options.
The court’s intervention underscores the evolving urban demand for pet care infrastructure that respects environmental norms and public sentiment. Mumbai, being a metro with one of the fastest-growing pet populations in India, faces pressure to modernise its civic amenities in line with citizen needs and sustainable practices. The absence of such infrastructure not only undermines public trust but also hinders the broader municipal agenda of inclusive and green urban living. While the court has granted the BMC time until late July to file its progress report, the case has reignited conversation about the need for holistic urban planning that accounts for animal welfare.
As cities grow denser and lifestyles evolve, ensuring accessible and responsible pet aftercare services is no longer an optional luxury but a basic civic responsibility.
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