Mumbai: Days after protesters tore down the tarpaulin covering at Dadar Kabutarkhana, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday reinstalled the cover by erecting tarpaulin sheets over bamboo sticks. Mumbai Police also set up barricades around the premises to prevent citizens from feeding pigeons.

A senior civic official said that the covering was done as per Bombay High Court (HC) directions, which prohibit pigeon feeding at the site. “The structure will remain covered until the court decides the next course of action, The cover was reportedly put up early on Monday to avoid clashes and that the BMC has asked Mumbai Police to maintain a presence in the area.

Riot Control Police Deployed At Kabutarkhana

On Sunday, an unusual scene unfolded at the Kabutarkhana as Riot Control Police were deployed to prevent violence. This came after Saturday’s incident when a man, identified as Mahendra D. Sanklecha (55) of Gazdar Street, Chirabazar, drove up with a food grain tray mounted on his car roof to feed pigeons.

Local residents stopped him, leading to heated arguments. Sanklecha reportedly claimed that 12 more cars with similar grain trays were on their way. Following a complaint by Sandesh Vikram Matkar (57), a junior supervisor from BMC’s G-North ward, Shivaji Park Police registered an FIR against Sanklecha.

Kabutarkhanas are open public spaces traditionally used for feeding pigeons, a practice deeply rooted in local culture and religious sentiment. The Dadar Kabutarkhana, built in 1933 and managed by a local trust, has long been a hub for bird enthusiasts and religious communities.

BMC Action After Bombay HC Directive

The BMC’s action follows the Bombay High Court’s July 30 order directing authorities to curb illegal and defiant pigeon feeding in public areas, particularly in Dadar West, due to health hazards such as fungal infections and respiratory problems. The HC also instructed the formation of an expert committee to assess the issue and, if in agreement with the BMC, suggest alternative arrangements for the pigeons. Civic officials have hinted that controlled, staggered feeding may be allowed depending on the committee’s recommendations.

The High Court will hear the Advocate General for Maharashtra and other parties on the committee formation on August 13. Meanwhile, the Marathi Ekikaran Samiti has called for a major protest at Dadar Kabutarkhana on the same day, demanding strict enforcement of the feeding ban and closure of kabutarkhanas.

Palghar, Maharashtra: A 17-year-old boy tragically drowned while swimming in a well near the crematorium ground in Dhumal Nagar, Vasai, on Sunday afternoon.

The deceased, identified as Masoom Samsul Khan, a resident of Vasai, originally from Uttar Pradesh. He was the son of Jinat Samsul Khan, who works in a private company.

Rescue Efforts and Medical Response

According to police, Masoom had gone swimming in the well when he accidentally drowned. Fire brigade personnel retrieved his body and rushed him to Nagnath Municipal Hospital in Tulinj, Nalasopara East, where doctors declared him dead before admission at 9:50 a.m.

he Pelhar Police have registered an accidental death case under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The cause of death has been recorded as drowning.

Assistant Police Inspector Yuvraj Choudhary is conducting further inquiries.

Thane: Residents of Ambernath, Badlapur, and Ulhasnagar faced significant power cuts starting from Monday morning. The power supply was interrupted because of a rupture in the high-pressure line near Golegaon, Ambivali on the main line from Padgha. Employees of the Maharashtra Distribution Company indicate that restoring the power supply may take at least 4 to 5 hours.

The power outage has halted all activities, affecting everything from domestic tasks to large and small industries. Residents are voicing dissatisfaction due to the ongoing power outages in this region. The daily power outages in Ambernath and Badlapur are also significantly impacting the water supply, forcing residents to wait longer for water due to inadequate storage in tanks.

The Maharashtra Distribution Company is vigorously engaged in fixing the damaged wires. Nonetheless, as these issues often arise during the rainy season, the tolerance of residents is beginning to diminish. “Residents have insisted that lasting solutions are essential to enhance the power supply quality in Ambernath and Badlapur, or else the issues of water scarcity and disturbances to daily activities will only worsen.

Despite Mahavitaran’s maintenance and repairs, the power supply in Badlapur and Ambernath cities appears to remain poor. On Saturday, the day of Raksha Bandhan, electricity was cut off multiple times in different areas of Badlapur. On Sunday, a holiday, power outages occurred to varying degrees in different parts of Badlapur East.

The day on Monday started with interruptions in the power supply. A problem in the high-pressure line from Morivali caused power outages in parts of Badlapur. As a result, residents will encounter difficulties right from the very first day.

Owing to ongoing power outages, festivals and celebrations must be observed in the dark. Ganeshotsav will commence in the upcoming days. Citizens are insisting that measures be implemented to guarantee a continuous power supply, at least during that timeframe. There is a request for maintenance and repairs to continue for several more days, taking as long as needed, but ensuring electricity is supplied during the festival.