Mumbai: Though Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis now says the “abrupt” closure of pigeon feeding sites in Mumbai was not advisable and that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) should ensure controlled feeding of the birds, it was his own government that had ordered the shutting down of such spots a month ago.

The state government had directed a crackdown on ‘kabutarkhanas’ weeks prior to the Bombay High Court ruling on 30 July. The court had declared that feeding a congregation of pigeons was an act causing public nuisance and posed a health hazard to people. It also directed the BMC to file FIRs against persons engaging in such activity.

BMC action and fines

Following the court’s order, the BMC on 3 August covered the Dadar Kabutarkhana, a Grade II heritage structure and the most prominent pigeon feeding spot in Mumbai, with a tarpaulin sheet to prevent public access.

According to the civic body, action was taken against 142 individuals for feeding pigeons at ‘kabutarkhanas’ across the city. Between 13 July and 3 August, fines totalling ₹68,700 were collected from these offenders.

Fadnavis changes tack ahead of civic polls

As the ban on pigeon feeding at public and heritage locations turned into a major controversy, Fadnavis took a more cautious and measured stance, seemingly to prevent further unrest ahead of the Mumbai civic body elections.

On Tuesday, the Chief Minister stated that the “abrupt” closure of kabutarkhanas was not advisable and urged the BMC to ensure a “controlled feeding” of the birds.

Protest erupts at Dadar Kabutarkhana

On Wednesday, protesters forcibly removed the tarpaulin sheet placed by the BMC over the Dadar Kabutarkhana. The demonstrators, largely from the Jain community, clashed with the police who attempted to stop them from dismantling the plastic cover fixed on bamboo scaffolding at the site.

Following the unrest, Mumbai suburban district guardian minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha visited the location and condemned the agitation. He said police would take appropriate action in the matter.

Health concerns raised in legislative council

The issue was first brought up during the monsoon session of the Maharashtra legislative council on 3 July. Shiv Sena leader and nominated MLC Manisha Kayande said that ‘kabutarkhanas’ posed a danger to nearby residents as pigeon waste and feathers contributed to respiratory diseases.

BJP leader and fellow nominated MLC Chitra Wagh joined the discussion and stated that she had lost her aunt to respiratory ailments caused by exposure to pigeon waste.

Government response and orders

Industries Minister Uday Samant, speaking on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who holds the urban development portfolio, responded orally to the concerns raised in the Upper House.

“There are 51 kabutarkhanas in Mumbai,” Samant said, adding, “The civic body will be asked to start (an awareness) drive against kabutarkhanas within a month. Directions will be issued to the BMC to immediately start the process of shutting down kabutarkhanas.”

He also emphasised the need to raise awareness about the health risks associated with feeding pigeons.

In a written reply to Kayande’s question, Shinde confirmed that unauthorised kabutarkhanas in Santacruz (East), Daulat Nagar and Santacruz (West) had been shut down.

PTI inputs