Mumbai News: Clash Between Marathis And Jains Over Closure Of Kabutarkhanas

The Mumbai Ekikaran Samiti will launch a massive protest at Dadar Kabutarkhana on Wednesday at 10 am, demanding the enforcement of the ban on pigeon feeding and standing against the Jain community, which protested last Wednesday at the same spot, demanding to allow pigeon feeding. “Leaders from all political parties have given their support to our protest. While leaders from MNS, Shiv Sena UBT are expected to join. The monks from the Jain community said that for them, religious beliefs are more important than court orders. We will not tolerate this lawlessness,” said Pramod Parte, the samiti leader.

Jain Monk Calls for Hunger Strike

Meanwhile, Nilesh Vijaychandra, a Jain monk, gave a call for an indefinite hunger strike from Wednesday until the kabatarkhanas are reopened. Speaking on the hunger protest by the Jain community, advocate Kamlesh Shah, member of All India Animal Welfare Board said, “He belongs to Colaba Jain temple and he has given the indefinite hunger strike call in his capacity. If the entire community or other temple disciples will also support it, it will be decided after the Bombay High Court hearing on Wednesday afternoon.”

Background to the Dispute

The HC, in its hearing on August 7, asked the BMC to form an expert committee to study the health hazards due to pigeon droppings. After the state government’s instructions on July 3 to close all 51 kabutarkhanas in Mumbai, citing respiratory illnesses caused due to their droppings and feathers, the civic body started its anti-pigeon feeding actions.

Political Implications Ahead of Elections

After the HC in its last hearing clarified that it had not ordered the closure of kabutarkhanas and it was BMC’s decision, the Jain community has written letters to BMC to reopen kabutarkhanas. While the political leaders from the Jain community are also pressurising the BMC to allow pigeon feedings. The kabutarkhana closure issue soon escalated into a political issue ahead of the civic elections. The leaders also said that the Jain and Gujarati community- who are strong supporters of the BJP, will vote against the party if pigeon feeding is not allowed.

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BMC Continues Action Against Feeders

Meanwhile, the BMC is continuing its action against the pigeon feeders. In the last 12 days, three FIRs have been registered for feeding the pigeons and violating court orders, while a total penalty of Rs 34,000 has been collected. The BMC imposes a fine of Rs 500 per violator for feeding the pigeons under its revised Solid Waste Management, Health and Sanitation By-laws of 2006.

Wards with Most Violations

From August 1 to 12, the wards where maximum fines have been levied for feeding pigeons are: G-North (Dadar, Mahim); T ward (Mulund); P-South (Goregaon); K-East (Andheri, Bandra East) and R-North (Dahisar).