Restore right to walk or face the law, Juhu residents warn BMC
They cite unchecked encroachments, solid waste lying on the road, debris piling on footpaths, illegal ramps built by high-rises on public footpaths, and unauthorised parking.
In a meeting held with the assistant municipal commissioner of K West Ward, Chakrapani Alle, on August 1, facilitated by local MLA Ameet Satam (BJP), the ALM members said that despite repeated complaints, footpaths remain blocked. This makes even short walks, such as from homes to nearby parks, difficult and unsafe.
Architect Samarth Das documented the issues through a series of photographs, which the ALM presented to the BMC during their meeting on Friday.
He said, "If an area like Juhu can't ensure walkability, what hope do other parts of the city have? We have given the BMC a one-month deadline to take visible steps to restore pedestrian access. (Otherwise) we will be forced to take legal action."
Ashoke Pandit, chairman of the group, said, "We are not asking for anything extraordinary. As tax-paying citizens, we want the BMC to only fulfil its obligatory duty of ensuring we have unencroached roads. Instead, the situation has become so deplorable that we are seeing garages come up overnight on footpaths."
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What we call 'normal' today has become shockingly substandard, said Das. "Basic quality of life -- sanitation, hygiene, pedestrian safety -- is being completely ignored."
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Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Pigeon feeding ban stands: HC says form expert panel to end impasse
Mumbai: Bombay HC Thursday said its interim orders granting no relief to feeders against a drive to close down kabootarkhanas and permitting BMC to initiate action against those who obstruct or flout its decision continues till next Wednesday as does its protection against razing of heritage pigeon congregation sites. The court, however, added that it was for the state govt and BMC to end the "impasse'' by relying on an expert panel to go into the larger public health concerns which the pigeon-vs-people conflict presents. Next Wednesday, HC will consider names of experts who can be appointed on the committee to be formed by the state. "If the opinion of the committee is such that feeding areas are rightly closed by BMC, then certainly such expert opinion needs to prevail," it added. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai Stating that the BMC ban on feeding pigeons in public spaces very much stands, the court said if "the petitioners intend to have any further orders, they are free to file interim applications". Stating that it cannot be expected to play the role of experts on medical and health issues, Bombay HC said a scientific study would need to be conducted before any decision on feeding pigeons at kabootarkhanas is taken. "The BMC is not before us today (August 7) to say that the decision which was taken in public interest to close down kabootarkhanas has in any manner been revoked,'' the HC recorded in its order. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The HC also allowed senior counsel for the Dadar Kabootar Khana Trust, Anil Sakhare, to make a representation to BMC when he sought a time slot for feeding pigeons daily 6-7 am. The bench said it had only refrained from staying the civic action and denied petitioners interim relief when they challenged BMC's policy. HC also orally said court orders cannot be disrespected and for any modification sought, an interim application would need to be filed. To decide on the formation of such an expert body, the HC said it will next Wednesday hear the state advocate general as the issue involved human and societal health, which is paramount. The bench said experts can be suggested by the State, BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and petitioners. Such an expert committee can then decide if the BMC's decision to close down kabootarkhanas was right and based on its reports, the HC will pass orders and if held to be right, suitable alternatives can be looked at. "Prima facie, this is the only way the impasse can be resolved,'' said the two-judge bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Arif Doctor. "What would stare at the citizens is a balance of fundamental duties under Part IV A of Constitution which is to develop scientific temper and humanism for reform and balance to protect and improve natural environment, wildlife and compassion for living creatures,'' Justice Kulkarni said while dictating the order in open court. The bench heard the congregation of counsel and showed them the medical opinion mailed by Dr Sujit Rajan of the Bombay hospital. The HC had on the last occasion sought his opinion after the BMC KEM pulmonary department head had cited studies that highlight cases of asthma and lung diseases due to pigeon droppings but sought a multi-disciplinary approach to study the issue of congregation of pigeons as a public health hazard. The case was based on a plea by a group of people who fed pigeons and who questioned the decision to seal off kabootarkhanas and as interim relief sought permission to feed the birds twice daily. The HC citing health concerns raised by BMC declined the interim plea and on July 30, after seeing a report in the Maharashtra Times directed BMC to even initiate criminal cases against those who continue to feed, in defiance of its actions or obstruct public duty. Once an expert committee which is to expound on measures to protect human health is formed, let it give its report expeditiously, the HC said. AG Birendra Saraf will be heard and so will experts from all sides, the HC said. The BMC reacted to the court's observations saying it will keep up the action against indiscriminate feeding of pigeons. "We are awaiting the detailed court order," said an official. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and s ilver prices in your area.
News18
16 hours ago
- News18
‘Irony Died 1000 Times': Jain Temple Pigeon Nets Spark Backlash Amid The Kabutarkhana Row
Last Updated: The photo comes at a time when the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been actively shutting down pigeon-feeding spots across Mumbai. A photo from outside a Jain temple in Mumbai is gained widespread attention online as the city continues to clamp down on pigeon-feeding zones. The image, shows safety nets installed on temple windows to keep pigeons out. This has led to accusations of hypocrisy against the very community that has been protesting against the closure of public feeding spots. Many online users questioned how pigeons are welcomed in public spaces but kept out of religious ones. 'Hypocrisy At Its Best' The picture was reportedly taken near Dadar's Kabutarkhana which is one of the city's oldest and most prominent pigeon-feeding spots. The photo shows nets fixed on the temple's windows. The caption shared along with the photo reads, 'Guess what Dadar's Jain temple stands opposite Kabutarkhana. Nets are installed on the temple to keep pigeons out." Guess what Dadar's Jain temple stands opposite Kabutarkhana. Nets are installed on the temple to keep pigeons out. 😂😂😂 — Zoro (@wildcardgyan_) August 6, 2025 In the comment section, people pointed to what they saw as a contradiction in the community's actions as they were defending the right to feed pigeons in public while preventing them from entering temple premises. 'Someone file a petition to get that removed. Poor pigeons need to rest in the shade of the Jain temple," a person said. 'Hypocrisy, if they really love animals they should let the pigeons in along with the stray dogs around," someone else wrote while an individual remarked, 'The drama writes itself." The Court Order And Its Fallout The photo comes at a time when the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been actively shutting down pigeon-feeding spots across Mumbai following a Bombay High Court ruling on July 31. The order directed the closure of all kabutarkhanas, citing health risks caused by bird droppings including respiratory issues like 'pigeon lung," damage to heritage sites and nuisance complaints. Soon after, the BMC barricaded many of these sites using tarpaulin covers and bamboo fencing. Warning notices were put up and feeding in public was banned. FIRs were ordered to be filed against violators. Faith And Tradition For many in the Jain and Gujarati communities, feeding pigeons is seen as a religious duty and part of their ancestral traditions. It is closely tied to the idea of jeeva-daya which means compassion towards all living beings and is often considered a way to earn good blessings. Since the ban, several Jain trusts and local groups have voiced strong opposition. At Dadar Kabutarkhana, organisers claimed that nearly 980 pigeons have died due to lack of food. Animal welfare groups have also stepped. They questioned the medical evidence behind the health claims and demanded humane alternatives rather than outright bans. Protests On Thursday morning, hundreds of people, mostly from the Jain community, gathered at Dadar Kabutarkhana in open defiance of the court's order. Protesters tore down tarpaulin covers, climbed over barricades and scattered grains to feed the birds. Police were called in to manage the situation and disperse the crowd. According to BMC data, fines worth Rs 68,700 have been collected from 142 people across various kabutarkhanas between July 13 and August 3. Of these, 61 fines were issued at Dadar alone. About the Author Buzz Staff A team of writers at bring you stories on what's creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture. News18's viral page features trending stories, videos, and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : mumbai pigeon viral news view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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Business Standard
20 hours ago
- Business Standard
Explained: Why feeding pigeons has become a political flashpoint in Mumbai
A seemingly routine action of covering up a public pigeon feeding area has turned into a full-blown controversy in Mumbai. It has brought to light a complex issue involving religious traditions, public health concerns, and politicians ahead of the city's municipal elections. According to a report by The Economic Times on Thursday, members of the Jain and Gujarati communities allegedly tore down tarpaulin sheets placed over the iconic Dadar Kabutarkhana (pigeon feeding area) by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). This defied a Bombay High Court ban on pigeon feeding in public spaces. Visuals of the incident have since gone viral, sparking political backlash and reigniting the 'native versus outsider' debate in Mumbai, cultural tension centred around who belongs to the city. These forms of debate centre around identity-linked issues like language, employment, and culture, often arising during elections. Pigeon feeding ban On July 30, 2025, the Bombay High Court ruled that feeding pigeons in public areas such as 'kabutarkhanas' (pigeon feeding spots) posed a serious health hazard and amounted to public nuisance. The court directed the BMC to file FIRs against anyone continuing to feed pigeons in defiance of the order. Rising complaints of respiratory illnesses from pigeon droppings. Environmental and sanitation concerns due to large gatherings of birds in densely populated areas. The order followed complaints from residents, health officials, and environmentalists who argued that unchecked pigeon feeding was harming public health and the urban ecosystem. What is a kabutarkhana? Why is it significant in Mumbai? Kabutarkhanas are traditional public pigeon feeding spots. The most famous among them is the Dadar Kabutarkhana, a Grade II heritage structure located at a key intersection near a Jain temple. For many members of the Jain community, feeding pigeons is a religious and moral act — a form of non-violence and compassion towards living beings. It is seen not just as charity, but as a sacred duty. How did this turn into a protest? Following the High Court's order, the BMC began taking enforcement actions: 142 people were fined between July 13 and August 3, including 51 at Dadar Kabutarkhana. On August 3, the BMC covered the Kabutarkhana with tarpaulin sheets to prevent access. Despite this, on August 6 and 7, groups of Jain protestors forcibly tore down the covers and began feeding pigeons, claiming the birds were starving. Police attempted to intervene, leading to scuffles. Visuals of the protest quickly went viral. What the state government says Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis initially supported enforcement but changed course as tensions rose. On August 5, he said 'abrupt closure' of kabutarkhanas was not advisable. Then he called for 'controlled feeding' under civic supervision to protect both public health and animal welfare. Fadnavis also asked the BMC to set up a formal policy regulating pigeon feeding, explore dedicated aviaries, and conduct scientific studies on health impacts and cleaning methods. Political reactions Shiv Sena (part of ruling coalition) Party MLC Manisha Kayande condemned the protest and said pigeon feeding must be addressed scientifically, not emotionally. Kayande said, "When the kite festival kills birds, where are the animal lovers then?" Bharatiya Janata Party Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha called the protest 'unfortunate', but emphasised the CM's balanced approach. He suggested police may act against those who broke the law. Congress Leader Vijay Wadettiwar accused the ruling Sena-BJP-NCP government of flip-flopping and trying to 'appease' minority voters ahead of elections. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena Firmly supports the ban and has called for similar measures in Thane. Why is feeding pigeons harmful? Medical experts and civic leaders point to several risks: Respiratory illnesses are caused by inhaling dust and droppings. For example, pigeon droppings can lead to hypersensitivity pneumonitis Spread of fungal infections and zoonotic diseases Overpopulation of pigeons, reliant on human feeding which disrupts urban ecology Shiv Sena's Manisha Kayande said, 'Pigeons become dependent. Feeding them in public spaces has long-term ecological and health impacts.' What happens next? A report will be submitted to the Bombay High Court. The BMC may file FIRs against those who defied the ban. The bottom line What began as a court-ordered public health measure has escalated into a debate over faith, governance, and electoral strategy. The fate of Mumbai's kabutarkhanas now lies at the intersection of religion, law, and public opinion. [With agency inputs]
