Mumbai: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday held a meeting to discuss the shutting down of kabutarkhanas in Mumbai. He clarified that the decision was made by the Bombay High Court, and not the state government. He further said, “I have arranged a meeting on Tuesday with some respected members of the community to talk about this matter because people have strong feelings about it. We will try our best to find a solution.”
Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has not only barred people from feeding pigeons at these spots but has also covered the kabutarkhanas. The move has caused strong reactions, especially from the Jain community. To pacify the protesters, Mumbai suburban guardian minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha has suggested that temporary feeding zones should be set up at BKC, Aarey Colony, Mahalaxmi Racecourse, and Sanjay Gandhi National Park that would be monitored closely.
BMC takes strict action against pigeon feeders
The BMC has swung into action against feeding pigeons in public places. As per the records, a total of 142 people were fined a total of Rs 68,700 between July 13 and August 3, reported the Times of India. Each person was fined Rs 500 for feeding pigeons. There have also been police complaints filed recently.
At the kabutarkhana in Dadar, 61 people were fined Rs 27,200. When TOI visited the spot on Monday, the area was fully covered. However, protests had begun, especially from the Jain community. They claimed that the move by the BMC was putting the pigeons at risk.
Meanwhile, a few nearby shopkeepers expressed relief. Sunil Shah, who runs a shop near Plaza Cinema and lives in Shivaji Park, said, “We are happy about this decision. If people really want to feed pigeons, they should do it at home. Doing it outside causes trouble for everyone.”
However, former Colaba corporator Puran Doshi said, “These kabutarkhanas have been here for almost 100 years, and suddenly there’s a big issue now. If the court doesn’t change its decision soon, we plan to protest again this weekend,” he said.
Minister Lodha also met the BMC commissioner over the issue and said, “There needs to be a balanced approach. The government should find other proper places where people can feed pigeons.” According to BMC officials, they are also planning to cover other kabutarkhanas in different parts of the city.
Protesters tear down tarpaulin cover at Dadar Kabutarkhana
On Wednesday, angry protesters removed the plastic cover placed by the BMC over the kabutarkhana in Dadar. The cover had been put up after the Bombay High Court gave orders to close such places.
The protesters, mostly members of the Jain community, got into arguments with police officers who tried to stop them from removing the cover. The High Court had ordered the shutdown of kabutarkhanas due to health risks, like breathing problems caused by pigeon droppings.
On Tuesday, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis had held a meeting with Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and ministers Ganesh Naik, Girish Mahajan, and Mangal Prabhat Lodha. They discussed the idea of regulated pigeon feeding to avoid harm to the birds and to keep public areas clean. The plan also includes using machines to clean up droppings.
Fadnavis told the BMC to continue with controlled feeding, supported by proper groups, until permanent solutions are found. Many people from the Jain community have strongly opposed the closure. They have held protests in Mumbai, saying feeding pigeons is a part of their religion, and they are upset seeing pigeons suffer without food.