On Wednesday, protestors demanded a stricter enforcement of the ban on feeding pigeons in public. They also criticised the action of the mob that pulled down the plastic sheets covering the Dadar Kabutarkhana on August 6, terming it as an act of vandalism

Police detain the members of the Marathi Ekikaran Samiti following the protest

The protest, called `Chala Dadar`, witnessed the participation of at least 100 members of civil society and residents in Dadar and took place under heavy police protection. Subsequently, the police also detained those who were speaking to media or were at the forefront of the protest

The protesters demanded that the civic authorities continue prioritising concerns of public health over the sentiments of a few members of a particular community

They also said that kabutarkhanas should be closed down in all places in Mumbai and that feeding spots for pigeons should be shifted outside the city or residential areas at proper locations not frequented by citizens, to minimise adverse impact on health

The Dadar Kabutarkhana has been covered by the civic body to prevent pigeon feeding

Members of the Samiti demanded that a contempt order be applied on authorities who did not take any action against those who tore down Dadar Kabutarkhana`s plastic covers a week ago. They also said that fines and FIRs should continue against those feeding pigeons in public

Pigeons gather on terraces near Dadar Kabutarkhana after the pigeon-feeding area was closed by the authorities