PUNE: The Pune
Municipal Corporation has completed construction of an incinerator at Naidu
Hospital for cremating pets and small animals. Pet lovers in Pune have been
demanding a cremation facility for pets for years.
According to PMC officials, the facility has been set up by
PMC’s electrical department. It will be maintained and operated by them in
association with private parties. “The incinerator has been set up near PMC’s
dog pond adjacent to Naidu Hospital. There was a demand from citizens and dog
lovers to set up such a facility which has been met now,” said Mahendra Shinde,
a senior official of PMC’s electrical department.
On an average, the civic body disposes of five to six large
animals and 10 to 15 stray dogs and pigs. PMC officials said that more
incinerators will be made available in the days to come. Another facility may
be started soon near Mula-Mutha river in Mundhwa. The facility was shut down
after objections were raised against the plant due to its proximity to the
river. The facility is located 300 meters from the river and needs approval
from River Red Zone committee.
“There were allegations that the remains after incineration
were discharged into the river, which apart from polluting the water also posed
a threat to the health of citizens. The closing of the unit meant that proper
incineration facility was not available,” said a senior PMC official. “The
matter is in court right now. We are hopeful that the decision will be in our
favour. The decision on opening the facility will be taken after orders from
the court,” said Prakash Wagh, a senior PMC official.
The civic body had initiated setting up of the unit in
September 2012. It is spread over 1,800 sqft area. Apart from the incinerator,
the facility also has space for servants' quarter for security guards.
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