Debate to ban dove feeding in India

A recent ban on the dining of pigeons in public spaces in the western Indian city of Mumbai has become a major lightning between civilian bodies, public health activists and bird lovers.

This month, hundreds of people have been confronted with police twice as they protested against the closure of dining area for decades or Kabutarana. (Kabutar is the Hindi word for a dove.)

Some were torn on the leaves of the tarpaulin, covering the place and threatened an indefinite hunger strike. Police have briefly detained about 15 people in another protest, according to media reports.

Authorities have imposed a ban on concerns about health hazards due to pigeons’ elimination.

The problem is not unique to Mumbai. In Venice it is forbidden to feed pigeons in historic squares. Singapore imposes huge fines and New York and London regulate the dining areas.

In India, the cities of Pune and a Tynine in the Maharasht State – of which Mumbai is the capital – they have imposed penalties for dining of pigeons. Delhi is considering Consultation against nutrition Birds in public spaces.

Repression has angry animal lovers and religious feeders, as pigeons have long been woven into the cultural tissue of India.

Movies often use photos of grain dining pigeons to cause cities such as Mumbai and Delhi, where birds are a known presence of balconies and air conditioners.

Some of Mumbai’s Kabututarhans are emblematic structures of heritage and it is said that they have arisen as charity spaces where communities can donate grain.

There are also religious sentiment. In Mumbai, the Jain community, which believes that the diet of pigeons for a pious obligation is voice in its protests.

Elsewhere, many also share a connection with the pigeons – regarded as symbols of peace and loyalty.

In Delhi Side, Ismat says he has been feeding birds for 40 years and considers them his own family.

“They are innocent. Perhaps the most innocent of all beings. All they want is a little kindness,” said the Ismat.

But these feelings face studies showing that prolonged exposure to Pigeons represents the risk of pulmonary and respiratoryS

The boom in the population of pigeons in India in recent years has increased this risk, which has caused restrictions.

The Biodiversity Expert in Delhi Fayaz Hudar says that the easy presence of food has led to the pigeons overcrowding in many countries.

In India, he said, the challenge is complicated by a decline of birds like a forest, known as the home sparrow, which is increasingly being exchanged by pigeons.

“With easy food and without predators, pigeons multiply faster than ever. They are ahead of other urban birds, creating an environmental loss,” said Khudsar.

The bird report in India in 2023 says The number of pigeons has increased more than 150% Since 2000 – the largest jump among all birds – leaving homes and public spaces with discards, as each bird can produce up to 15 kg (33 pounds) per year.

Studies show that these discards contain at least Seven types of zoono pathogens This can cause diseases such as pneumonia, fungal infections and even lung damage in humans.

Nirmal Cari, a 75-year-old Delhi resident, began to complain of a constant cough and had breathing problems a few years ago.

“In the end, CT scanning showed that part of her lungs had curled up,” says her son Amit Cari. “Doctors said this was due to exposure to dumps.”

Last year, Ann A 11-year-old boy died In Delhi due to pneumonitis of hypersensitivity – a disease that causes inflammation in the lungs. Doctors said the reason was prolonged exposure to dumps of pigeons and feathers.

RS Pal, a pulmonologist, told the BBC that such cases are common.

“Even if you do not feed directly pigeons, their dumps on window sills and balconies can cause pneumonitis of hypersensitivity,” he said.

“We also see bacterial, viral and fungal infections in people who deal with pigeons regularly.”

These concerns are what made Mumbai’s civil body impose a ban on diet last month and start a pursuit of demolition of eating centers.

The demolitions are in detention, but the Bombay Supreme Court has rejected a legal basis against the ban on nutrition, pointing to public health as “paramount” and ordering strict action for illegal nutrition.

Delhi Mayor Raja Ikbal Sing told the BBC that the love for birds cannot come with the cost of people’s well -being.

“Nutrition of stains often gets dirty, leading to bad odors, infections and pests. We work to minimize nutrition,” he said.

But many animal lovers do not agree.

Mohammad Yunus, who supplies grains on a diet in Delhi, claims that all animals can spread diseases if hygiene is not maintained.

“I’ve been surrounded by pigeons for the last 15 years. If something happens, it would happen to me,” he said.

In Mumbai, Jain’s monk told BBC Marathi that thousands of pigeons would starve to death because of the ban on eating.

Mega Uni, an animal rights activist, pointed out that it is not clear how the ban on pigeons will be applied.

“As for the regulation of diet, this is a word thrown by the authorities, but no one really understands what can lead to it,” she said.

Against the background of these competing disputes, efforts are taken to find a middle position.

UJJWAL AGRIN, from humans about the ethical attitude towards animals (PETA) India, suggests allowing diet with pigeons only during certain morning and evening hours.

“This gives enough time for the civilian authorities to clean up the place and maintain hygiene. In this way, we respect both public health and emotional relationships,” he said.

The Supreme Court in Bombay has set up an expert group to offer alternatives, and Mumbai civil servants say that controlled, gradual meals can be resolved on the basis of its advice.

For Syed Ismat the solution lies in rethinking the connection between birds and urban spaces.

“It may be time to rethink how we share our cities, not only with pigeons, but with all forms of life,” he said.

Additional reporting from Sharanya Dayal in Delhi

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