After CM's directive, BMC to explore feeding pigeons in staggered hours
'The CM has directed us to find an alternate measure to allow feeding of pigeons in Mumbai. This could be done by allowing the Kabootarkhanas to stay open for a few hours during the day when people can feed the birds. However, the decision on the staggered timings have not been taken yet. We are not planning to reopen the shut Kabootarkhanas immediately, since we are contemplating on our next move. The HC is set to hear the case again on August 7 (Thursday) and as both we (BMC) and the state government are party to this case, we may ask the court to form an expert panel who would coordinate in framing SOP,' Gagrani told The Indian Express on Tuesday.
The civic body is expected to place its proposal, including a potential plan for time-bound feeding under expert supervision, before the Bombay High Court when the matter is heard on Thursday. Any move to reopen Kabootarkhanas, even partially, is likely to be contingent on the court's guidance.
Kabutarkhanas are open public spaces where feeding of pigeons is a regular practice, particularly at major junctions in Mumbai. The Dadar Kabootarkhana, built in 1933, is managed by a local trust and has been a focal point for bird lovers and religious communities alike.
The BMC had earlier acted on the Bombay High Court's July 30 order directing the civic body to curb 'illegal' and 'defiant' feeding of pigeons in public areas such as Dadar West, citing health hazards like fungal infections and respiratory issues.
'All citizens are hereby informed that it is strictly prohibited to offer and feed food items to birds and animals at this site. Feeding food to birds at places of public gathering like these can trigger fungal infection and respiratory diseases,' a BMC notice stated.
However, the enforcement drive triggered sharp reactions from members of the Jain community, who held a protest on August 4 demanding the reversal of the decision.
In a meeting with officials on Tuesday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis went against the immediate closure of Kabootarkhanas and suggested formulating rules on specific times to feed pigeons.
Earlier in the day before the CMs meeting, the BMC had written to the Mumbai Police seeking support in enforcing the court's orders and taking action against violators.
'The BMC is acting on the basis of the HC's direction. If we allow pigeon feeding to continue, then we will be in contempt of court. Therefore, unless a proper SOP is framed under the court's guidance, we can't allow free feeding of the birds till then,' said a civic official.
According to records, Mumbai has at least 51 Kabutarkhanas across the city, with the Dadar one being among the most prominent. Trustees of the Dadar Kabutarkhana Trust and animal welfare activists have filed petitions in court against the BMC's closure drive.
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