Offering a dedicated space for dignified last rites of pet animals, Maharashtra’s first gas-based animal crematorium was inaugurated in Majiwada, Thane, on Saturday by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik.
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मुक्या प्राण्यांसाठी एक स्वतंत्र स्मशानभूमी असावी ही संकल्पना प्रथम मांडली होती. आज तिला मूर्त स्वरुपात आणले आहे याचे अत्यंत समाधान आहे. महाराष्ट्रातील सर्वात पहिली गॅसदाहिनी असणारी अत्याधुनिक स्मशानभूमीचे लोकार्पण माजिवडा गाव येथे आज संपन्न झाले.… pic.twitter.com/Cf02oOCnkr
— Pratap Baburao Sarnaik (@PratapSarnaik) November 15, 2025
The inauguration comes months after the Maharashtra Government approved the establishment of paid crematoriums for deceased pets across the state earlier this year. In April, the urban development department issued a government resolution (GR) directing local bodies to earmark land for pet cremation facilities adjacent to solid waste management centres. The policy shift followed persistent efforts by Sarnaik, who has consistently highlighted the need for regulated and respectful disposal of pet remains.
Until now, improper disposal of dead pets often resulted in foul odours and heightened the risk of disease outbreaks, posing a public health concern. Sarnaik had raised the issue in the Maharashtra Legislature in July 2023, stressing the need for sanitary and dignified cremation facilities for pets such as dogs, cats, and white mice. He had also warned that unregulated cremations near human crematoriums could trigger unnecessary religious and social tensions.
The newly inaugurated Majiwada crematorium is designed to address these challenges. The facility features a 30-metre APC technology-based chimney capable of reducing pollution by up to 70 per cent, ensuring an environmentally responsible cremation process. It also includes a modern seating arrangement for visitors, a well-equipped register office, clean washrooms for men and women, and a Mahadev temple at the entrance — all intended to provide a calm and respectful environment for grieving families.
“The idea was to create a place where people can bid farewell to their loyal companions with respect and without any procedural difficulty,” Sarnaik said after the inauguration.
Thane’s Additional Municipal Commissioner Sandeep Rode, Executive Engineer Sanjay Kadam, former corporator Sanjay Bhoir, and members of the city’s animal welfare groups, including Sonali Sajnani, were present along with several pet lovers.
Developed under the guidance of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the facility has been welcomed as a compassionate addition to Thane’s civic infrastructure. Pet owners and animal welfare activists noted that the crematorium fulfils a long-standing need and strengthens the city’s commitment to animal welfare.
