The electric crematorium which took more than 12 years in the making the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board dithered in clearing the project was finally inaugurated on January 22. The first pet to be cremated was Pasha alhasa belonging to industrialist Keshub Mahindra. Set up at a cost of Rs 23 lakh, the project was largely funded by the Godrej family with substantial donations from K.R. Pandit and H.N. Daruwala. Unlike in the past, where wood and kerosene were used to cremate pets in a partially enclosed structure thus polluting the air this crematorium has a scrubberwith water circulation and a 100 ft high chimney to eliminate polluting gases. The electric oven can handle up to 10 animals such as dogs, cats, goats and calves a day. The entire process, at temperatures above 500 degrees Centigrade, takes no more than 45 minutes. A slot at the bottom allows for the collection of ashes, if required, which is handed over to the owner the next day in an earthen pot decorated with flowers.