In a letter to civic chief Bhushan Gagrani, the Mumbai suburban district guardian minister urged him to find an amicable solution, considering the feelings of seers and animal lovers while respecting the court's directives
The move comes amid health hazards related to feeding pigeons and restricted public access to the spot. Pic/Shadab Khan
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials on Sunday covered the Dadar Kabutarkhana, a grade II heritage structure in central Mumbai, with a tarpaulin sheet amid pigeon feeding ban in the city.
The move comes amid health hazards related to feeding pigeons and restricted public access to the spot, sources said.
The action by the BMC prompted Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha to seek the civic commissioner's intervention.
In a letter to civic chief Bhushan Gagrani, the Mumbai suburban district guardian minister urged him to find an amicable solution, considering the feelings of seers and animal lovers while respecting the court's directives, according to the PTI.
The letter follows BMC officials covering the Kabutarkhana with a tarpaulin sheet and putting up a board warning citizens against feeding pigeons.
The action comes days after the Bombay High Court observed that feeding of a congregation of pigeons was an act causing a public nuisance and also posed a health hazard to people, and directed the Mumbai civic body to file FIRs against persons engaging in such an activity.
The high court last month restrained the BMC from demolishing any of the old heritage 'Kabutarkhanas' (pigeon feeding spots) in the metropolis, while making it plain that feeding of these birds won't be allowed.
The state government on July 3 directed the BMC to immediately ensure the feeding of pigeons at public places across the city is stopped in light of health hazards that can lead to respiratory illnesses and several allergies among residents living in the vicinity of kabutarkhanas. Shiv Sena leader and nominated MLC Manisha Kayande had raised the issue in the Maharashtra Legislative Council on Thursday, July 3, stating that kabutarkhanas pose a danger to the people living around them as their waste and feathers lead to respiratory diseases.
In his letter, Lodha claimed that pigeons are found dead on the streets because they are unable to get food, which is affecting public transport.
"The corporation should inculcate broader thoughts, including providing alternative places to feed the pigeons. There are open spaces in the BKC, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, and Arey Colony where alternative feeding grounds can be created. Hence, the commissioner should look into it and provide a solution," Lodha stated, as per the PTI.
(with PTI inputs)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
