Beware Punekars! Feeding Pigeons at These 20 Spots in Pune Could Cost You Heavily – Fines Up to Rs 5,000 |
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated a drive against feeding pigeons. PMC is taking strict action against defaulters, and a fine ranging between Rs 500 and Rs 5,000 is being levied, said an official.
The civic body has identified 20 prominent pigeon-feeding spots, including Sarasbaug statue, Bund Garden flyover, Patil Estate at Shivajinagar, and Katraj Chowk.
People ignore warnings
However, despite the PMC’s warning against feeding pigeons, many bird lovers continue the practice. Experts claim that overfeeding pigeons has led to an increase in their population, and these birds also carry infectious and zoonotic organisms that pose potential health risks to humans.
Members of the Sinhagad Road Area Development Action Committee, in collaboration with the Self Savarkar Sports Foundation, have raised serious concerns over individuals feeding pigeons in public spaces. In a letter addressed to Pune Municipal Commissioner Rajendra Bhosle, the committee has requested strict legal action against those feeding the pigeons, as it risks the lives of the public.
Mahendra Nivrithi Pawde, a representative of the committee, has urged PMC to take immediate action. The letter emphasizes filing criminal complaints under the category of “causing danger to human life” against pigeon feeders and keepers. The committee has also appealed to the Solid Waste Management Department of PMC to strengthen enforcement and awareness drives. “We hope that proactive measures will be taken by the authorities to curb the practice of feeding the pigeons. Despite awareness campaigns in newspapers, people in our area still continue to feed the birds, ignoring the health hazard it can cause,” said Pawde.
Sandeep Kadam, head of the Solid Waste Management Department, PMC, said, “We are ensuring the residents are abiding by the rules, and in the last two months (Nov-December 23), we have taken action against 77 residents, and Rs 56,000 has been collected from defaulters. We are putting out advertisements to create awareness and curb the practice of feeding the pigeons.”
