BMC collects ₹1.24 lakh in fines amid crackdown on Kabutar Khana pigeon feeding; protests follow in Mumbai | YouTube: Bombay Natural History Society (Representational Image)
Mumbai: The BMC has expedited its actions against feeding the pigeons. In the period of a month, from July 3 to August 3, a penalty of Rs 1.24 lakh has been imposed on a total of 250 violations across the city for feeding the pigeons.
The BMC is imposing a fine of Rs 500 for feeding the birds under its revised Solid Waste Management, Health and Sanitation By-laws of 2006. It was on July 3 that the Maharashtra government ordered the BMC to immediately shut down all 51 kabutar khanas (pigeon feeding spots) in Mumbai, citing health hazards arising out of their droppings and feathers.
Dadar’s G-North Ward Tops with ₹30,400 Penalty in 67 Cases
The maximum penalty of Rs 30,400 against 67 incidents of pigeon feeding is imposed in G-North ward, which has the Dadar kabutar khana, one of the oldest and biggest in the city. The same kabutar khana was covered with bamboo and tarpaulin on Saturday, following which several pigeon feeders protested on the spot.
Jain Community Protests BMC Action Across City
The Jain community members have also been protesting, including the demonstrations from Colaba temple to the Gateway of India on Sunday. Last week, an FIR was also registered against pigeon feeding at the Mahim police station, which also falls in G-North ward.
The other areas where maximum actions are taken include- A ward (Fort, Colaba) with a penalty of Rs 8,500 against 17 violators, P-East ward (Malad) with a penalty of Rs 11,500 against 23 violators and others.
Bombay High Court Orders Criminal Action for Defying Ban
The Bombay High court on July 30 cited serious public health risks and also ordered the BMC to initiate criminal proceedings against those defying its longstanding ban on pigeon feeding at public and heritage sites.
