Mumbai: Amid an escalating standoff between the Jain community and the BMC over the closure of pigeon feeding spots in Mumbai, a viral photo has stirred fresh controversy on Wednesday. The image, allegedly showing a window of a Jain temple near Dadar’s Kabutarkhana covered with safety nets, has triggered accusations of hypocrisy.
Several netizens pointed out that while the community is fighting to protect pigeon feeding areas, safety nets at the temple seem aimed at preventing pigeons from entering their premises.
Viral Photo Receives Backlash From Netizens
The photo has gone viral on social media, with users slamming the temple authorities for what they see as a contradiction in the community’s stand. Many questioned how the same community advocating for pigeon shelters in public spaces can restrict the birds from entering their own religious premises.
Chaos At Dadar Kabutarkhana
This backlash comes amid heightened tensions at Dadar’s Kabutarkhana earlier today in the morning, where a large gathering of Jain protestors clashed with civic officials.
The protest turned chaotic as demonstrators vandalised a plastic cover installed by the BMC to block feeding activity. Visuals from the scene showed hundreds of protestors, including women and elderly members, forcibly tearing down the cover and reopening the pigeon feeding area.
A heavy police force was deployed to manage the situation and prevent further escalation. Despite the BMC’s barricades, the kabutarkhana was thrown open around 10 am, just a day after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis intervened in the matter.
CM Fadnavis Announces Partial Rollback On Pigeon Feeding Ban
On Tuesday, CM Fadnavis had announced a partial rollback of the ban, stating that the sudden closure of kabutarkhanas was “not advisable.” He directed the BMC to allow controlled feeding and explore alternate locations for pigeon shelters across the city. His decision came after mounting pressure from the Jain community and consultations with BJP leaders, including Mumbai Guardian Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha.
The BMC’s crackdown on pigeon feeding had initially been based on public health concerns, citing complaints about unsanitary conditions and respiratory illnesses caused by excessive feeding. However, the move sparked backlash from religious groups who consider feeding pigeons a sacred act.
