In a significant move for pet welfare, Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) will operationalise three dedicated crematoriums for pets and small animals within the next month. These facilities are coming up in Kopri, Kalwa-Manisha Nagar, and Majiwada, following directives from Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. TMC Commissioner Saurabh Rao has instructed the health department to expedite the process.
Along with the crematoriums, the city will also launch a mobile veterinary clinic and a dedicated ambulance for pets. The mobile clinic will be created by repurposing an unused TMT bus and will be equipped with first aid, veterinary services, and trained staff.
The crematoriums, built using CNG-based systems, are currently under final testing. Each facility is expected to cost around INR 1.5 to INR 2 crore, funded by the 15th Finance Commission and the State Urban Development Department.
Thane is home to around 15,000 pets, mainly dogs and cats. These new services aim to improve the overall infrastructure and care available for them.