BJP questions MNS over Kabutarkhana

Mumbai: The Dadar kabutarkhana is soon turning into a political hot potato with BJP legislator Raj K. Purohit questioning allegations that it is a health hazard and claiming that it is a part of the city’s history and heritage and should not be shut down.

Mr Purohit’s stand comes in the wake of MNS’ demand to shut the kabutarkhana, terming it a “health hazard”. MNS leader Sandip Deshpande said that several residents of Dadar, especially children and the elderly, had developed respiratory problems owing to the pigeons.

However, the BJP MLA said that the kabutarkhana was also a matter of religious sentiments as some communities believed in feeding pigeons. Cities like London too had a trend of feeding pigeons.

In a letter written to municipal commissioner  Ajoy Mehta, the BJP leader said, “The issue of kabutarkhanas is connected with faith and sentiments of lakhs of people in the city. India has a cultural tradition of feeding birds and animals.”

To allegations that pigeons and other birds caused physical illness, Mr Purohit demanded that the claims be checked by appointing a medical experts’ committee.