Mumbai, Nov 3 (PTI) — Jain monk Nileshchandra Vijay has begun a protest at Azad Maidan, Mumbai, opposing the decision of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to close Dadar Kabutarkhana, a historical site for the community to feed pigeons.
Before commencing his protest near the BMC headquarters in South Mumbai, the monk announced plans to stage an indefinite fast demanding the reinstatement of Kabutarkhana.
The BMC had recently authorized controlled feeding of pigeons at four designated sites: Worli Reservoir, Lokhandwala Back Road mangrove area in Andheri West, Airoli-Mulund check post area, and Gorai ground in Borivali West, with feeding allowed only between 7 am and 9 am. NGOs have been tasked with managing these locations.
The civic body remarked that this is a provisional measure pending the expert committee's report and court directions, and that closed Kabutarkhanas will remain shut for the time being.
"The BMC's alternate sites are 4, 5, and even 9 kilometers away. How can a pigeon fly so far? A site within 2 km of the existing Kabutarkhana should have been provided," the Jain monk commented.
Comparing his protest to that of Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange, the monk stated, "If I am asked to leave Azad Maidan, I will take my protest to Dadar Kabutarkhana."
He also demanded similar permissions for feeding at Dadar Kabutarkhana, which allowed for two hours each of morning and evening feeding time at alternate sites.
Expressing the community's willingness to financially support the purchase of land if the civic body allocates an appropriate site, Vijay said, "If the BMC provides a site, the Jain community is ready to fundraise for its purchase."
He emphasized the Kabutarkhana's historical and religious significance to the community, noting its establishment over a century ago. "These Kabutarkhanas are more than a hundred years old. It is our duty to ensure their protection," he asserted.
The monk claimed a drastic decline in the pigeon population since the site’s closure. "Despite ongoing feeding at Jain residences and buildings, over one lakh pigeons have died since the Kabutarkhana's closure," Vijay alleged, adding that they currently treat 50 to 60 sick or injured pigeons daily.
He pledged that the protest would be peaceful, remarking, "We protest for pigeons, considered symbols of peace."
Previously, the Jain community had held demonstrations across Mumbai against the BMC's decision, while several residents supported the prohibition due to concerns over pigeon droppings and related respiratory issues.
The initial tensions arose in August when Jain community members removed tarpaulin covers placed by the BMC at Dadar Kabutarkhana. However, the civic body held firm on its decision to keep the facilities closed.
Jain monks conducted a prayer meeting for the pigeons reportedly affected by the closure, urging the government to reopen the enclosures.
Contrary views were voiced by community groups like "Aamhi Girgaonkar," who supported the closure with placards that read "Kabutar Go Back to Marwad Rajasthan," emphasizing human health concerns.
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