Crowd Control Police Dispatched during Dispute over Pigeon Feeding at Dadar Pigeon House, Mumbai
The Dadar Kabutar Khana in Mumbai continues to be under a strict ban by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) due to health concerns related to pigeon droppings and feathers [1][5]. The BMC has taken measures such as covering and barricading the area, deploying marshals, and imposing fines on violators [5].
The ban, enforced since July 3, has sparked controversy and heightened political and communal tensions ahead of the civic elections. The Jain community, for whom feeding pigeons is a religious practice, has been particularly irked by the ban, leading to protests and clashes with police [2]. In response, the Bombay High Court has proposed the formation of an expert panel to determine if kabutar khanas pose health risks [4].
The High Court has not yet lifted the ban but is considering the possibility of allowing controlled feeding. It has directed the BMC to invite public suggestions before deciding on any controlled feeding regime, emphasizing that such a decision must maintain the sanctity of public health interests [3][4].
The issue has escalated tensions, involving Marathi groups, Shiv Sena, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), and the Jain community, making it a politically charged topic [2]. The BJP leaders have expressed confidence that the BMC will re-open the kabutar khanas ahead of the BMC elections [6].
The situation remains fluid, with judicial hearings and political posturing continuing around this contentious ban. On Saturday, an incident occurred at the Dadar kabutar khana, leading to the deployment of Riot Control Police and civic officials [7]. A man attempting to feed pigeons with a food grain tray attached to his car's roof was registered an FIR by the Shivaji Park Police [8].
Thousands of pigeons have died out of starvation and thirst since the kabutar khanas were closed, according to the community [9]. The deployment was made to prevent any potential violence. The legal department of the BMC is expected to give clearance or receive instructions from the state regarding the reopening of kabutar khanas [10].
Advocate Kamlesh Shah, a member of All India Animal Welfare Board, stated that the court said if pigeon feeders want, they can seek permission from the BMC, and the BMC has no option but to reopen it [11]. The HC has emphasized the importance of balancing public health concerns with traditions but recognizes human life and health as paramount [1][3].
The FPJ reported in its Saturday, August 9 edition about the political angle ahead of the civic elections regarding the kabutar khanas [12]. The reopening of kabutar khanas is a politically heated issue, with stakes for various parties to appeal to their constituencies just before the elections.
This news article aims to provide a clear and straightforward account of the ongoing situation at the Dadar Kabutar Khana in Mumbai. The BMC's enforcement of the pigeon feeding ban is supported by legal backing but is under ongoing court scrutiny [1][3][5]. The High Court seeks expert input and public opinion on possibly allowing controlled feeding but has not yet lifted the ban [3][4]. The issue has escalated political and communal tensions, involving various parties, making it a politically charged topic ahead of the civic polls [2].
- The ongoing ban on pigeon feeding at the Dadar Kabutar Khana in Mumbai, enforced by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), has led to heated debates and escalated political and communal tensions ahead of the civic elections.
- The Jain community, who view feeding pigeons as a religious practice, have protested against the ban and clashed with police, making the issue a politically charged topic involving various parties such as Marathi groups, Shiv Sena, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), and the BJP.
- The Bombay High Court is seeking expert input and public opinion on the possibility of allowing controlled feeding, and has emphasized the need for balancing public health concerns with traditions, while recognizing human life and health as paramount.
- A man was recently registered an FIR for feeding pigeons at the Dadar kabutar khana, and the issue remains fluid with ongoing judicial hearings and political posturing around the contentious ban.
