Mumbai: BMC’s ban on feeding pigeons to continue, says Bombay HC

The Bombay High Court has upheld its decision not to stay the civic bodyrsquos ban on feeding pigeons at kabutarkhanas across Mumbai However it suggested forming a committee of expert doctors to examine whether the cityrsquos older kabutarkhanas should continue operating adding that ldquohuman life is of paramount importancerdquoThe court also said it had not passed any order directing the closure of kabutarkhanas in the city but only refrained from staying the closure order of the municipal corporationThe tarpaulin cover removed from Dadar kabutarkhanaMembers of the Jain community and local residents have now urged the court and BMC to provide a solution that ensures pigeons continue receiving food and water They argue that either citizens should be allowed to feed the birds or the BMC must take responsibility for their careAccording to community members 15ndash20 pigeons are found dehydrated or injured daily near the Dadar kabutarkhana The nearby Jain temple is currently offering treatment to these birdsPolice presence at kabutarkhana after civic action sparks protestsInside the courtroomThe court reviewed a medical report highlighting the serious health risks from exposure to pigeon droppings including cases that led to lung transplants The court emphasised that children and senior citizens are particularly vulnerableThe judges noted that thousands of people pass through these areas daily and askedlsquoWhat about their healthrsquoThey stressed that the decision to shut down kabutarkhanas was rooted in scientific and medical findings and stated that the ban would remain in effect until the next hearingTarpaulin cover removed from Dadar kabutarkhana PicsAshish RajeldquoIf the government wishes to oppose this order it must consider public healthrdquo the court remarked When local residents requested that pigeon feeding be allowed at least between 6 am and 7 am the court refusedldquoThe health of citizens is of utmost importance No one should violate this order If there are objections legal remedies are availablerdquo the bench said firmlyThe court stated ldquoThus with the wisdom of the state government and also the wisdom of the municipal corporation we are certain that the issues can be resolved by having appropriate medical opinion on whether the municipal corporation has decided to close down the kabootarkhanas in larger public health is a correct decisionrdquoHunger strike threatMembers of the Jain community have warned that if the Dadar kabutarkhana remains shut they will begin a hunger strike Anshan outside the premisesOfficials speakIn a statement to midday BMC said it is waiting for the court order before deciding on the next course of actionChief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday instructed the BMC to continue supplying grains to kabutarkhanas in a lsquocontrolled quantityrsquo until the civic body can come up with a holistic plan to provide alternate options to feeding pigeons at centrally located kabutarkhanas according to information from the office of the chief ministerTuesdayDay CM told the BMC to continue supplying grainFind a solutionShreepal JainldquoI visit the Jain temple daily from Lower Parel and feed pigeons at Dadar kabutarkhana We just want the state government to find a solution Either allow us to feed them or do it themselves Every day many pigeons are found injured or dead If this continues we will protest peacefullyrdquoMitesh JainldquoWersquore not satisfied with the Bombay High Courtrsquos decision We often rescue pigeons entangled in wires with help from the fire brigade but many still die Ifwersquore not allowed to feed them the BMC must step in This is their home too If they do not restart our swami will go on hunger strikerdquoVijay KotharildquoPigeons are dying without food and water The government must act Denying basic sustenance to any living being is inhumane We hope the authorities realise thisrdquo