A proposal by Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister of Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, suggesting that designated open spaces such as BKC, the Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Aarey Colony, or Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) be identified as temporary zones for safe and supervised pigeon feeding has drawn strong opposition from wildlife experts and environmentalists. Conservationists argue that such a move, especially at ecologically sensitive locations like Aarey and SGNP, could lead to disease transmission and increased competition for resources among wild species.

In a letter addressed to the municipal commissioner, Minister Lodha called for reconsideration of the city’s approach to pigeon feeding. He pointed out that following restrictions on the practice, numerous reports have emerged of pigeons suffering from starvation, leading to bird deaths on roads and raising additional public health and animal welfare concerns.

Are these rules absolute?