Hundreds Protest in Mumbai After Ban on Feeding Pigeons

Kokcha News Agency – Tensions have risen in Mumbai following a Bombay High Court directive to the city’s municipal corporation to take legal action against individuals feeding pigeons. The ban has sparked outrage among the Jain community, leading to protests at the famous Kabutarkhana (pigeon feeding area) in Dadar.

On Wednesday morning, hundreds of Jain protesters gathered at the site to oppose the court’s decision. In a dramatic turn of events, the crowd tore down plastic sheets installed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to seal off the feeding area. Videos circulating on social media showed men and women breaking through barriers and forcibly reopening the Kabutarkhana. Despite efforts by authorities to intervene, the area was reopened to the public by 10 a.m.

Government Response and Call for Compromise:
Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha described the incident as “unfortunate” and called for calm. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Lodha emphasized that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is taking a balanced and sensitive approach to the issue. He also mentioned that alternative solutions are being explored.

Chief Minister Fadnavis, in a previous statement, opposed the immediate closure of all Kabutarkhanas and suggested that pigeon feeding could continue in a controlled manner. “The right to life of birds, environmental protection, and public health are all important to us,” Fadnavis said, proposing that feeding be allowed during specific hours and under supervision.

Municipal Corporation’s Temporary Measures:
Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani stated that Kabutarkhanas would not be reopened immediately but that a system allowing feeding during specific hours is being developed. “We have received instructions from the Chief Minister to create an alternative system. We are currently in the evaluation process,” Gagrani said.

Background:
The Maharashtra government had ordered the closure of 51 Kabutarkhanas in Mumbai on July 3, imposing a fine of 500 rupees on individuals caught feeding pigeons. Between July 13 and August 3, fines were issued to 141 people, totaling over 68,700 rupees. However, the decision faced criticism even within the government. Minister Lodha opposed the complete halt of the pigeon-feeding tradition and called for temporary feeding areas to be designated. This proposal was criticized by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), with Mumbai President Sandeep Deshpande stating, “Issues related to public health should be addressed scientifically and rationally, not emotionally.”