Animal lovers, pet parents, and welfare organizations in Navi Mumbai and Panvel have urged the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) to set up a crematorium for animals.

A formal request to this regard was  submitted by Kharghar based animal activist Seema Tank  to the civic body. The activist through the letter has highlighted the need to have a means to cremate deceased pets or stray animals.

“The absence of a proper cremation facility has led to distressing instances where animal remains are left unattended or disposed of improperly. Animals, much like humans, deserve respectful last rites. The lack of such a facility is a growing concern for residents and animal welfare organizations,” said Tank.

The need for a dedicated crematorium is stated in the letter to be felt by pet owners as well as animal welfare organisations working with strays.

The issue is stated to not only affect grieving pet owners but also poses a sanitation challenge. “Crematorium would help maintain hygiene while offering pet owners a respectful farewell for their beloved animals,” opined the activist.

Meanwhile Panvel Municipal corporation informed that the work for constructing a crematorium is in the final phase. The budgetary provision for the project is stated to have been made last year and in the next few days the tender process will commence. “ The corporation has already taken up the project of constructing a full fledged crematorium for animals.  It is going to be a one of its kind project which will address the concerns about animal owners and activists for decent final rites to the animals, In a week's time the tender bid will be released,” said an official from the veterinary department.