The Maharashtra government has directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to stop pigeon feeding in the city with immediate effect and launch a drive to create awareness among feeders about the ill-effect it has on the health of the residents living in the nearby areas.
Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant has assured the members of the legislative council that the government will issue directives directing the BMC to immediately close all the pigeon feeding areas within Mumbai`s limits.
“Currently, there are 51 locations in Mumbai where pigeons are fed. We will ask the civic body to immediately put an end to pigeon feeding at these locations,” Samant said on Thursday.
The minister made the announcement during a reply on the issue of pigeon feeding and its health effects on the nearby residents as a result of this activity. The query on the issue was raised by Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde camp) Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Manisha Kayande.
During the Question Hour session, the Shiv Sena MLC cited several reports that have scientifically proved that pigeon droppings and feathers have resulted in asthma, lung and other respiratory issues among several citizens.
Samant acknowledged the health problems faced by the residents, especially those staying near locations where pigeon feeding is done on a large scale.
“Besides directing BMC to immediately stop the feeding, an awareness drive to educate citizens who indulge in feeding pigeons will be launched for a month. In this drive, citizens will be discouraged from feeding pigeons and made aware of the health hazards that residents are facing due to this activity.”
During the discussion, Kayande explained that many traffic islands have been turned into pigeon-feeding spots.
“The Dadar Kabutarkhana is one such example. All such `islands` need to be cleaned immediately to provide relief to Mumbai`s citizens,” the Sena MLC demanded, urging the government to address the issue on priority and form rules on whether one should be allowed to feed pigeons, and if so, then where such locations should be.
