Mumbai: The escalating stand-off between the authorities and pigeon feeders, the later took law in their hands on Wednesday morning and removed the bamboos and tarpaulin cover from the Dadar's kabutar khana, which were placed by the BMC to stop the pegion feeding. The protestors also spilled the food grains inside the kabutar khana in an act to feed the pigeons, which they claim were starving out of thirst and hunger.
Police Remain Mute Spectators, Cite Lack of BMC Complaint
However, as the protest was unfolding, the police and the civic officials remained mute spectators. "Yes, they removed the tarpaulin and fed the birds. But we have not take any action against the protests as there is no complaint filed from the BMC. It's is civic property, how can we take actions without their complaint?" said senior police inspector of Shivaji Park police station, under whose jurisdiction Dadar kabutar khana falls.
Pigeon feeders dismantle barricades at Dadar Kabutar Khana; police remain passive | Photo Credits: Salman Ansari
The spot remains under heavy police security, and as per local residents, the BMC staff was putting the removed part of tarpaulin back in place later in the evening.
Animal Welfare Board Defends Act as Emotional, Not Illegal
Advocate Kamlesh Shah, member of the All India Animal Welfare Board said, "The pigeon feeders actions were out of emotional trigger seeing the birds dying every minute. The Chief Minister on Tuesday had clearly directed the BMC to ensure water and food is given to the pigeons."
Shah added that the disciples of Shankaracharya had called for removal of tarpaulin themselves to feed the birds. "They have not broken any law. Neither there was any violence. The pigeon feeders only removed the cover and put food grains and water for the poor birds. The BMC infact have been acting in high handedness. It started closure of kabutar khanas without writing orders from the state government."
Pigeon feeders dismantle barricades at Dadar Kabutar Khana; police remain passive | Photo Credits: Salman Ansari
Citizens Raise Health Concerns, Slam Religious Imposition
However, many citizens opine that the matter is been escalated eyeing the BMC elections. "Ironically, the Jain temple right across the Kabutar khana in Dadar has pigeon nets installed to keep these birds out a silent admission that pigeon infestation is a health menace. Yet these same people insist on imposing their practices in public spaces, endangering public health," a resident said.
Pigeon feeders dismantle barricades at Dadar Kabutar Khana; police remain passive | Photo Credits: Salman Ansari
Jain Community Threatens NOTA in BMC Polls Over Issue
The Jain community has been claiming that thousand of pigeons have died since the closure of kabutar khanas.
"The entire Jain community will press the None of The Above (NOTA) button in the upcoming BMC elections if the BJP-led Mahayuti government does not stop its "anti-pigeon campaign," Sneha Visaria, a prominent feeder told FPJ on Tuesday. She is one of the three petitioners in Bombay High Court who is fighting in defence of pigeons.
Pigeon feeders dismantle barricades at Dadar Kabutar Khana; police remain passive | Photo Credits: Salman Ansari
Civic Body to Seek Time From High Court to Propose Alternatives
The next hearing on the matter is scheduled in the High court on Thursday and the BMC will produce its action report. The civic body is expected to seek time from the court to find alternative measures which will abide court's directives as well as save pigeons. "We have to find alternative designated pigeon feeding locations in the city," an senior civic official said.
Pigeon feeders dismantle barricades at Dadar Kabutar Khana; police remain passive | Photo Credits: Salman Ansari
Activists Call Protest a Violation of Court Orders
"What unfolded on Wednesday at Dadar Kabutar khana was blatant defiance of the Bombay High Court's order and a shameless display of hooliganism. Protesters, emboldened by political backing, tore down the shed and forcibly removed bamboo barricades placed by the BMC to restrict pigeon feeding. They fed pigeons in direct violation of court orders and all in full vandalized public property view of the police and media. This isn't compassion; it's criminal behavior cloaked in religious sentiment," said an civic activist from Dadar, Chetan Kamble.
"It's disgraceful that vote-bank politics is being prioritized over citizens' well-being and the rule of law. The police stood by as mute spectators not a single arrest was made. If this is governance, the message is clear: in Mumbai, religion overrides law, and politicians would rather appease a few than protect millions," he added.
