Mumbai, September 17: The latest cleanliness drive of Central government's Swachhta Hi Seva has left religious communities and animal lovers astounded. The cleanliness campaign which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday will continue till Gandhi Jayanti, has led to a ban on the feeding of birds at Gateway of India's famous kabutarkhana. PM Narendra Modi Launches 'Swachhata Hi Seva' Movement, Says 'More Cleanliness Achieved in 4 Years Than in Previous 65'

This move of the BMC was opposed by Jain organisations, which claimed that they are feeding birds on this spot for decades. If the ban continues, the group has claimed to advance protest. “This is unfair. We have been dropping grain at this spot for decades. The issue concerns the religious sentiments of the Jain community. The BMC must restore the kabutarkhana. Else, we will go on a protest,” said Paras Jain, member of a local temple trust to Mumbai Mirror. Difference Between 'Swachhata Hi Seva' & 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan'

Animal activists Sunish Subramanian Kunju slammed the BMC's move and 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 on kabutarkhanas, instead."

While justifying the move, the BMC officials said that permission for kabutarkhana was never been granted at the gateway of India, adding that feeding pigeons at walkway have become a nuisance. “The feeding area kept expanding, even though there was no official nod for a kabutarkhana. There is no space for tourists who visit Gateway and it was not possible to keep aside so much space for pigeons,” said Kiran Dighavkar, assistant municipal commissioner of A ward, under which Gateway falls.

“Since the Swachhta Hi Seva event was to be held there, we removed the barricades and stopped pigeon feeding. We will talk to those who are protesting against the BMC’s action.” Even after the BMC's move, some residents have resumed feeding at the Promenade.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 17, 2018 09:18 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).