With a week left for citizens to file suggestions and objections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) regarding allowing the feeding of pigeons at kabutarkhanas in controlled daytime hours, members of the Jain community have created QR codes to ensure Mumbaikars send in their suggestions to Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani on a large scale. Starting Monday, QR codes will be placed at 50 Jain and Hindu temples across the city. When scanned, these present a link where forms can be filled in. The community claims it has also sent out 2.5 lakh emails so far.

On August 17, BMC invited suggestions and objections from citizens regarding the issue, allowing suggestions till August 29. During the hearing of the writ petition on August 13, BMC placed before the court the possibility of feeding pigeons during controlled hours. In response, the Bombay High Court had directed the civic body to seek suggestions and objections from residents affected by the feeding of pigeons on health grounds. Moreover, after the end of the eight-day festival of Paryushan, the Jain community also intends to reach out to more members of their faith to spread the word.

Ban notwithstanding, pigeons are fed openly at the Bandra Talao kabutarkhana on August 23. PIC/ATUL KAMBLE