Mumbai: Locals, bird feeders spar over feeding pigeons in Mulund

The pigeons crowd the footpath and also go onto the road

The feeding of pigeons on a bridge connecting the east and west areas of Mulund, has become a bone of contention between local residents and bird lovers. Many residents have objected to the feeding, as they fear motorists could meet with a serious accident while trying to avoid the birds that flock to the bridge. But feeders say this is a violation of their rights. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has deputed personnel on the S bridge on Tuesday to stop the feeders and warned of a fine of Rs 500 if they do so. Animal activists have called this illegal.

The feeding of birds on the bridge began around three years back. The bridge has approximately 5-feet wide footpaths on both sides where the birds are fed. As all Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted, the bridge is again full of vehicular traffic, but there are many pigeons on the road and motorists have to drive while trying to dodge them.

‘Feed them at a proper place'

Bharat Amesar, a Mulund resident, said, "Nobody is against feeding animals or birds, but it should be done at a proper place. As the feeders throw grains on the footpath many birds, especially pigeons, come onto the road too. Many times they distract motorists, and have caused many crashes. Fortunately, there have been no big accidents. Also, every day, one or two pigeons die, as cars run over them. The feeders are responsible for these deaths."

The message on the walls of the bridge saying feeding of animals and birds is not allowed there. Pics/Rajesh Gupta

Nirmal Thakker, another resident, said, "Before the restrictions, we took up this issue with the T ward, whose personnel were deployed at the bridge to stop the feeders. But during the lockdown and the restrictions, the feeding gained momentum and is on in full swing. The place where most of the feeding is done has a sharp turn and slight distraction can cause a serious accident. We are okay with feeding animals and birds, but here it will become the cause of a fatal accident."

DM Vala, who has fed strays and birds for the past 31 years said, "These creatures have the right to live. Many times we feeders rescue injured birds and get them treated. Do any of the motorists do this? We only fed the pigeons in the morning, not through the day. I believe the BMC should not restrict us from our right."

Mitesh Jain, honorary district animal welfare officer said, "According to Constitution every citizen can feed animals and birds wherever they want to. In the past too, such decisions were taken by various corporations, including BMC. The Animal Welfare Board of India has spoken against this."

After receiving complaints from residents, T ward personnel have been deputed at the bridge to prevent the feeders. A message has been painted on the walls of the bridge saying anyone who feeds birds will be fined under the BMC's Cleanliness and Sanitation By-laws 2006, for Rs 500.

‘Residents must co-operate'

Chakrapani Alle, assistant commissioner T ward said, "We received many complaints and hence deputed a person to stop people from feeding the pigeons. This is causing a nuisance to motorists and may cause a serious accident. I appeal to residents to co-operate and choose another place to feed the birds."

Rs 500
The fine BMC will levy for feeding birds on the bridge