Mumbai: Jain Monk Nilesh Chandra Vijay, who spearheaded the community’s protest against the closure of kabutarkhanas (pigeon feeding centres) across Mumbai, ended his indefinite hunger strike within hours on Monday after senior BJP leaders assured him of a solution within 15 days.
The monk began his protest at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai on Monday morning but called it off later in the day after Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha and Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar met him and promised to discuss the issue with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis this week.
“Our fight is not just for pigeons but for all voiceless beings,” said Muni Nilesh Chandra Vijay, thanking the leaders for taking the matter seriously.
BMC’s Interim Move Faces Opposition
Last week, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) allowed controlled pigeon feeding at four locations on an interim basis. However, several feeders objected, arguing that pigeons cannot fly as far as 9 km for food and demanded that feeding spots be located within 2 km of existing kabutarkhanas.
Monk’s Key Demands
The Jain monk’s main demands include:
Creation of designated bird-feeding zones across Mumbai.
Withdrawal of unverified claims that pigeon droppings cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Recognition of the right to life for all living beings.
Formation of a permanent inter-departmental committee involving religious, animal welfare, and environmental experts to ensure humane treatment of animals.
Political Context and Legal Battle
With BMC elections approaching, the monk has launched a new organisation, Rashtriya Sanatan Chattis Kaum Sena, and plans to field candidates. Earlier, he had expressed disappointment over BJP’s inaction and extended support to Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena.
Meanwhile, all 51 kabutarkhanas in Mumbai remain closed following a July 3 BMC order citing health risks from pigeon droppings. The Dadar Kabutarkhana Trust and others have challenged the decision in the Bombay High Court, which has set up an expert committee. The next hearing is on December 11.
Until then, the ban on pigeon feeding continues—except at the four designated spots permitted from 7 to 9 am daily.
