A special plan is being made by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) to help stray cows in the city. The initiative involves the establishment of a specialized crematorium dedicated to these animals, utilizing a clean and efficient CNG furnace for their proper disposal.

The motivation behind this unique project stems from the current challenge of disposing of deceased cows, which often find their unfortunate resting place in the Pirana landfill. The planned crematorium, spanning an area of 4,000 square meters, is strategically located near the Gyaspur sewage radiation plant. However, this ambitious endeavour comes with its own set of challenges.

A major hurdle lies in the absence of prior examples of such a substantial facility, which is anticipated to have an unprecedented burn rate of 700 kg per hour within the state. The estimated cost of the project is around Rs 6 crore, and a specially designed crane will be employed to delicately position the animals into the CNG incinerator.

M Thennarasan, the AMC commissioner, has taken proactive steps by engaging with high-ranking officials from various departments including solid waste management, environment engineering, light department, and city engineering.

Consequently, certain concerns were raised regarding the furnace's capacity, underlining the importance of accommodating the cremation of up to 15 carcasses per day. This count includes not only deceased cows but also other bovines and stray animals. During the monsoon season, this number could potentially rise to 35-40.

The novelty of this project within the state has prompted officials to contemplate the possibility of issuing an expression of interest (EOI) or request for a proposal (RFP) to identify suitable partners capable of effectively managing and operating the crematorium.

In the previous month, a special meeting was convened, graced by Dharmendra Shah, the political overseer of AMC's BJP body, and Mahadev Desai, the building committee chairman. The purpose of the meeting was to delve into the intricate details of the proposal and discuss its potential execution.

This innovative initiative stands as a testament to the commitment of these officials to addressing a pressing challenge and ensuring a dignified farewell for the city's stray cows.