Palike's animal crematorium plan gets new lease of life

The plan to set up an animal crematorium, which created a furore among the public, is now back in the news with BBMP officials coming out with a fresh proposal at Sumanahalli on Magadi Road, which they feel will be a smooth sail this time.

Three years ago, BBMP planned the first animal incinerator in South India at Meti Agrahara near Yelahanka, to bury dead animals in a systematic and scientific way. But the project was forced to be abandoned following opposition from the public.

The project has now got a new lease of life with the Palike planning to build one at Sumanahalli.

Opposition

The project kickstarted on July 5 with Palike Mayor D Venkatesh Murthy and Rajarajeshwari Nagar MLA Munirathna laying the foundation stone. BBMP sources told Deccan Herald that earlier, residents of Meti Agrahara were not happy that a animal crematorium would come up in their area and had opposed the move.

This time, the Palike officials have carefully selected a place which is vacant and not surrounded by residential properties, sources said.

The estimated cost of the project is around Rs 2.5 crore. Apart from the animal incinerator, the project involves construction of the cremator’s quarters and veterinary doctor’s room.

Venkatesh Murthy, confirming the development, told Deccan Herald that the new location would give no scope for protest.

“Right next to the site where we will be constructing the animal incinerator is the Sumanahalli crematorium. This will be the only one in the State once it becomes operational. There are no plans for setting up more incinerators in the City as of now. We have not received any complaint from the public till date about our ongoing project. There won't be any as the place we zeroed in on is vacant and deserted.”

The Palike has entrusted the construction work to a private contractor. The charges for cremating at the animal incinerator are yet to be decided, said BBMP officials.  

Murthy, a resident of Kadabagere on Magadi Main Road, said: “I have been to Sumanahalli many times. It is vacant and is on the outskirts of the City. There is the beggars' rehabilitation centre near the proposed site. But there are no homes there.” Officials at the rehabilitation centre were unavailable for comments.