Mumbai: Tensions flared in the city after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) began acting on a Bombay High Court directive to remove illegal pigeon lofts, citing public health concerns. The Jain community, known for its religious connection with feeding and sheltering pigeons, has strongly objected to the move, calling it discriminatory and an attack on their beliefs.
On Sunday, members of the Jain community staged a ‘Shantidoot Yatra’ to protest the BMC’s action, claiming that the removal of pigeon houses violates their religious rights. The civic body had ironically used the same term, Shantidoot Yatra, for its awareness campaign against the health hazards posed by pigeons and their droppings.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by The Free Press Journal (@freepressjournal)
For years, doctors and activists have flagged pigeon droppings and feathers as triggers for respiratory illnesses, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Following this, the High Court had instructed the BMC to take action against unauthorized pigeon shelters across Mumbai.
However, the Jain community views the BMC's enforcement as selective and unjust.
“Why are only animals being targeted? Pigeons aren’t harmful. On the contrary, substances like hashish, ganja, and opium are far more dangerous to health, why aren't those being banned first?” a protestor asked in a video posted on X.
The community also cited recent incidents like the demolition of a Jain temple in Vile Parle as part of a “pattern” of unfair treatment. They’ve demanded clarity from the Mahayuti government and local authorities.
Demolition Attempt in Dadar Meets Resistance
On Friday night, a BMC team attempted to dismantle the pigeon loft in Dadar, but members of the Jain community strongly resisted the move. Despite a heavy police presence, officials were unable to carry out the demolition./
Instead, by Saturday evening, the BMC sealed off the area by covering the loft with tarpaulin sheets. Notices were also posted prohibiting the storage of food grains, an act commonly linked to pigeon feeding. Officials have warned that legal action will be taken against anyone found violating the order.
Authorities have already removed letters and other objects from the site, leaving behind only one small cage meant to house pigeons. As of now, the exact timeline for further demolition remains unclear, but both community members and civic officials are on alert.
