500+ Activists to Protest Over Ban on Pigeon Feeding Zones in Maha
In a bold move to defy the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) crackdown on pigeon feeding spots, over 500 animal lovers and activists are set to gather at Mumbai’s Daulat Nagar ‘kabootarkhana’ (pigeon feeding zones) on Sunday to feed pigeons. The protest is a response to the BMC’s decision to remove encroachments and impose fines on those who continue to feed pigeons at these designated areas.
The move by the BMC has been met with widespread opposition from animal lovers and activists who argue that the ban is not only inhumane but also ignores the cultural and historical significance of these feeding zones. The kabootarkhanas have been a part of Mumbai’s urban landscape for decades, providing a haven for pigeons and a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to feed and interact with these birds.
The protesters, who claim to be a mix of animal lovers, environmentalists, and locals, plan to converge at the Daulat Nagar kabootarkhana in the morning and feed the pigeons in a peaceful protest. The event is being organized by a coalition of animal welfare groups, including the Mumbai Animal Welfare Society and the Pigeon Protection Society.
“We are not going to let the BMC take away our right to feed the pigeons,” said Rajan Sharma, a member of the Pigeon Protection Society. “These birds are an integral part of our city’s culture and heritage, and we will fight tooth and nail to protect them.”
The activists had earlier warned the BMC of mass protests if it continued to crack down on pigeon feeding spots. “We have been feeding pigeons here for generations, and we will not let the BMC take away this right from us,” said a local resident, who wished to remain anonymous.
The BMC’s decision to ban pigeon feeding is part of its efforts to clean up the city and remove encroachments. However, activists argue that the ban is not only inhumane but also ignores the environmental benefits of pigeon feeding. “Pigeons play an important role in maintaining the city’s ecosystem,” said Dr. Satish Bhatikar, an environmental scientist. “They help to clean up food waste and act as a natural pest control mechanism.”
The protests come after a string of incidents in which the BMC has removed encroachments and imposed fines on those who continue to feed pigeons. In one incident, a group of pigeons were left starving after the BMC removed a feeding spot in the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) station.
The dispute highlights the tension between the need to maintain a clean and green city and the need to preserve the city’s cultural and historical heritage. While the BMC’s efforts to remove encroachments and improve sanitation are understandable, the activists argue that the ban on pigeon feeding is a step too far.
The protest is also seen as a test of the BMC’s commitment to preserving the city’s cultural heritage. “The kabootarkhanas are an integral part of Mumbai’s history and culture,” said a local historian. “If the BMC is serious about preserving the city’s heritage, it should work with animal lovers and activists to find a solution that balances the needs of both humans and animals.”
The protest is expected to draw attention to the plight of the pigeons and the importance of preserving these feeding zones. With over 500 activists set to participate, it is clear that the movement to save the pigeons is a powerful force that will not be easily silenced.
