A day after the BMC covered the Dadar kabutar khana with bamboos and tarpaulin, several pigeon feeders protested on the spot on Sunday claiming that 'thousands of pigeons died since morning because of the closure of the kabutar khana.' However, officials say the claims are wrong.
Although the BMC had closed the Dadar kabutar khana, the biggest pigeon feeding location in Mumbai in July first week itself, the pigeons kept returning as the citizens continued feedings despite warnings and actions like imposing penalty by civic officials. After the Bombay High court order on Wednesday, July 30, the civic body went a step ahead and physically covered the kabutar khana, and placed big notice boards. On Friday, a first ever FIR against a pigeon feeder was registered at Mahim police station.
Civic Officials Say Action Follows Legal Mandate
A senior BMC officer said, "We are taking actions against pigeon feeders and closure of kabutar khanas following orders by the High court and state government. We doing our job." Assistant Municipal Commissioner, Jaydeep More said, "All kabutar khanas will have civic staff as well as police personnel ensuring citizens do not feed the pigeons. This inspection is following the court order, and we have informed local police stations too."
State Cites Health Hazards from Pigeon Droppings
The state government last month ordered the BMC to shut all 51 pigeon feeding locations in the city, citing health hazards like respiratory illnesses due to droppings and features of the pigeons. This is been opposed by pigeon feeders and some approached the court. However, the court cited serious public health risks and also ordered the BMC to initiate criminal proceedings against those defying its longstanding ban on pigeon feeding at public and heritage sites.
The stern actions have added fuel to the debate on closure of kabutar khanas across Mumbai.
Jain Community Stages Protest Against Closure
On Sunday, several members of the Jain community demonstrated at the Gateway of India on Sunday morning, protesting against the closure of kabutar khanas (pigeon feeding spots) across Mumbai. The protest rally with slogans to save the pigeons, was started from a Jain temple in Colaba to the Gateway of India, which has a pigeon feeding spot.
Animal Welfare Advocates Call Court Order Harsh
Adv Kamlesh Shah, member of All India Animal Welfare Board said, "Despite no credible evidence establishing health threats from Kabutar khanas, the court adopted an extremely punitive stance, deeply demeaning to the religious sentiments and humanitarian work of the feeders. Thousands of pigeons across Mumbai are now dying out of starvation and thirst."
MNS Environmental Wing Dismisses Starvation Claims
Jay Shringarpure, head of environment wing of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, which was the first to demand closure of Dadar kabutar khana said, "No pigeons have died due to starving and thirst. They claim hundreds and thousands died. It is all false. Some of the birds must be injured, which is common. It is easy to spread false information."
