The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)’s decision to enforce a ban on pigeon feeding in designated public zones has ignited a fervent debate across the city, leading to fines, protests, and a significant legal challenge. This contentious directive, rooted in public health concerns, pits urban management imperatives against animal welfare advocacy. The unfolding conflict underscores the complex dynamics of balancing civic order with community practices in a densely populated metropolis, impacting public spaces and environmental hygiene.
The Maharashtra health department has instructed the BMC to shut down 51 officially recognised pigeon feeding zones, a move prompted by a High Court order. Between July 3rd and July 12th, the BMC penalised 107 individuals, imposing fines of ₹500 each and confiscating 50 bags of grains at hotspots like Dadar, Goregaon, and Bangur Nagar. This enforcement highlights the civic body’s determination to implement the ban, citing the need to address concerns related to public health and urban sanitation, which are crucial for maintaining eco-friendly and sustainable cities.
On July 15th, the Bombay High Court issued an interim ruling that, while maintaining the prohibition on feeding pigeons, barred the BMC from demolishing heritage kabutarkhanas (pigeon houses) pending further hearings. The court has called for comprehensive medical evidence from KEM Hospital’s pulmonary department, alongside input from the Animal Welfare Board of India and law enforcement agencies, to thoroughly assess the health impacts of the policy. This judicial intervention underscores the complexity of the issue, seeking a scientific basis for the policy’s implementation.
Subsequently, the High Court permitted the BMC to register First Information Reports (FIRs) under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, declaring pigeon feeding a public nuisance and health hazard. It further directed immediate measures, including CCTV surveillance, deployment of marshals, and police backup, to enforce the ban. This escalation reflects the authorities’ resolve to curb the practice, which they argue contributes to respiratory illnesses, infrastructure damage from corrosive droppings, and overall urban unhygiene, impacting the city’s zero-net-carbon and eco-friendly aspirations.
However, the ban has met with strong resistance from animal welfare groups and pigeon-feeding advocates, including residents near iconic sites like the Dadar kabutarkhana. They contend that the BMC’s actions violate constitutional duties under Article 51A(g) and provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Earlier protests included a coordinated demonstration where over 500 activists collectively fed pigeons in Santacruz to challenge the civic ban, underscoring the emotional and cultural dimensions of the issue.
Despite enforcement efforts, large pigeon congregations persist in areas such as Dadar, Bandra, and Marine Drive, indicating challenges in achieving full compliance. The next compliance hearing is scheduled for August 7th, suggesting that the legal and social ramifications of this ban are far from resolved. The ongoing debate highlights the delicate balance between public health regulations, environmental management, and the rights and practices of citizens, requiring a nuanced approach to foster a truly equitable and harmonious urban environment.
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