Delhi’s First Eco-Friendly Pet Crematorium Opened in Dwarka

Delhi: The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has inaugurated Delhi’s first environment-friendly pet crematorium. Located in Dwarka, the crematorium has been established to give animals an honorable and dignified farewell and to allow owners to pay their respects to their pet animals through their last rites. The facility is expected to be operational by April 2024. 

The MCD is soon to introduce a policy for the cremation of stray and pet animals. The announcement was first made by Mayor Shelly Oberoi, during her visit to the first animal crematorium in Delhi, which was also developed by the MCD.

While pet crematoriums have started popping up all over the country, this one is the first eco-friendly pet crematorium in the country. The facility uses green technology to allow pets to be cremated and have their last rites done according to Hindu customs in an eco-friendly manner.

Mayor Shelly Oberoi also outlined the need for a uniform cremation policy for both pet and stray animals in the jurisdiction of the MCD, which will help offer the service for a nominal rate to citizens. Along with the cremation services, pet owners can also avail the services of a priest for a ceremony before saying farewell to their pet.

As of right now, there is no singular policy for pet cremation throughout Delhi. Some places charge pet owners for cremation, while others provide the service free of charge through veterinary services. As a result, grieving owners often bury their pets or cremate them on an empty space, which is unregulated and could pose some problems for the environment in the long run.  

The MCD has thus taken the initiative of offering pocket-friendly pet cremation services. The cremation charge is Rs 2,000 For dogs and small animals weighing less than 30 kg. The charge is Rs 3,000 for animals weighing above 30 kg. The newly inaugurated facility can handle 10 pets and 15 strays daily thanks to its two furnaces which operate on CNG.

Alongside the crematorium, a green memorial park is also under development. Pet owners can plant flowers and trees in this park in memory of their pets. This step aims to create a green area that can help lower the pollution levels the city is so famous for.