In a unique political development ahead of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, religious leaders from the Jain community have announced the formation of a new political party Shanti Doot Jankalyan Party with the agenda of protecting kabutarkhanas (designated feeding zones for pigeons). The party’s symbol will be a pigeon, and it aims to contest the elections scheduled for later this year.
Announcement Made During Prayer Meet for Pigeons
The announcement was made during a prayer meeting held for pigeons, which, according to the leaders, died after the BMC allegedly stopped the provision of grain at kabutarkhanas across Mumbai. They claim the civic body's decision to shut down these feeding areas led to the deaths of numerous pigeons.
This follows a directive from the Maharashtra government issued on July 3, asking the BMC to restrict designated bird-feeding areas. Subsequently, on July 30, the Bombay High Court, while hearing petitions from animal welfare activists, noted that feeding pigeons in public spaces especially in kabutarkhanas had become a public health hazard, particularly for children and the elderly.
Court Allows Action Against Kabutarkhanas
A division bench comprising Justice G.S. Kulkarni and Justice Arif Doctor permitted the BMC to take legal action under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code against public nuisance, negligent acts likely to spread infectious diseases, and acts endangering life.
Following this court order, the BMC shut down several kabutarkhanas across Mumbai, which in turn triggered protests from community members and pigeon feeders.
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