BMC to decided to penalize people for feeding stray animals and birds, while it has also put up notices saying ‘no to feeding animals’ installed by the Solid Waste Management department
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) may penalize it's citizens if they are found feeding stray animals and birds. However, BMC has put up notices saying 'no to feeding animals' were installed by the Solid Waste Management department of the BMC, citing provisions under the BMC Act.
The notice also says, that feeding animals and birds like pigeons, cats, dogs, horses, and cows were prohibited, and an offense that could attract fines up to Rs 500 under the Greater Mumbai Cleanliness and Sanitation Bye-laws.
"The notices were placed by the Solid Waste Management of the Municipal Corporation. There is a provision under the BMC Act to fine those littering on the roads. Feeding animals is not an offense but feeding them in a public place and then leaving the litter behind is restricted," said civic official.
Meanwhile, there are kabutarkhanas at various places across the city, where people feed jawar, millet, and gram to pigeons. There are several complaints of people infected diseases like asthma and TB due to the droppings and feathers of the birds.
However, to avoid such health nuisance, BMC would take strict action on those who feed the stray animals and birds, said a civic official.
However, animal activists, too, slammed the BMC’s move. Sunish Kunju, founder of NGO Plant and Animals Welfare Society - Mumbai, said, “Birds have become used to getting food at particular feeding spots. If that is suddenly stopped, then they will panic. The BMC must not take such arbitrary steps and must bring out a clear policy instead of penalizing,” he added.