Ahmedabad, Feb 9 (NationPress) The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has officially opened Gujarat’s inaugural CNG-powered dog crematorium, providing pet owners with a scientific and dignified way to say farewell to their dogs, as stated by officials on Monday.

This facility, managed by AMC’s Cattle Nuisance Control Department (CNCD), marks the first municipal-operated dog crematorium in an urban setting across India.

Located at the CNCD ABC Centre in Behrampura on the Suez Pumping Station grounds, this crematorium has been established at a cost of Rs 30 lakh through North East Machine Karmasad Agency. It is capable of cremating up to three dogs at once.

“This facility aims to provide a respectful send-off for deceased pets while following environmental norms. Pet owners can observe the cremation via CCTV from home, and the ashes are returned in a dignified manner,” an official mentioned.

The cremator is equipped with primary and secondary chambers that prevent smoke, odor, or color from escaping during its operation.

Operating at temperatures of up to 850°C, it is noted that typical cremations occur between 800°C and 900°C. Cremating two dogs requires about 14 units of natural gas, with costs estimated at Rs 700 for one dog.

This environmentally friendly cremator is smoke-free, odorless, and eco-conscious. An automated trolley system ensures the safe transfer of the deceased dog into the cremator.

The cremation chamber measures around 4 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet. Additionally, AMC has been utilizing a small organ cremator for disposal of organs from neutering procedures for the past two years.

AMC has developed a systematic approach for pet cremation. Pet owners can report deaths through a dedicated helpline and provide registration receipts. Rituals, flower offerings, and prayers are held at the site before the pet is taken to the crematorium.

Owners who wish to participate in the cremation ceremony are welcome. For unregistered pets, AMC offers online registration and donation options.

Families will receive photographs, videos, death certificates, and annual memorial reminders. This initiative addresses both emotional needs and public health issues.

Burial of deceased dogs can result in soil contamination and the transmission of diseases such as canine distemper.

Cremation effectively eliminates these risks. Presently, Ahmedabad has 16,843 registered dog owners with 19,162 registered dogs.

AMC has indicated that, depending on demand, two additional dog crematoriums will be planned.

The launch is part of ongoing animal welfare efforts under the ABC Rules–2023 and NAPRE–2030, which include vaccination, neutering, medical care, and welfare programs for stray and pet dogs.