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The Hindu
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Maharashtra to enact anti-conversion law in December, will be stricter than other States: Minister
The Maharashtra government will bring a tough law to prevent religious conversions in the winter session of the legislature and its provisions will be more stringent than similar legislations existing in other States, Minister Pankaj Bhoyar has said. Speaking in the Legislative Council on Monday (July 14, 2025), the Minister of State for Home (Rural) noted Maharashtra will be the 11th Indian State to come up with such a law. "A panel has been formed under the Director General of Police to frame a law (against religious conversions) that will be stricter than the rest of the 10 states. A report (on the issue drafted by DGP) has been submitted and the law will be passed in the coming (winter) session," he told the House. The Winter Session of the State Legislature is usually held in December in Nagpur, the second capital of Maharashtra. Raising the issue of forced conversion in the State, Shiv Sena leader and nominated MLC Manisha Kayande alleged a pregnant woman committed suicide in Sangli district of western Maharashtra as she was under pressure (from in-laws) to change her religion. There was a fight in a Pune-based family over the issue of religious conversion and cross FIRs were filed over the matter, she said. Kayande pointed out that 10 States— Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand— have their own anti-conversion law. The MLC asked whether Maharashtra's Mahayuti government will bring an anti-conversion law like these 10 States, to which the Minister replied in the affirmative. Last week, Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule also said a strict law to prevent religious conversions will be enacted in the State. Replying to a debate on the issue in the State Assembly, Mr. Bawankule had said he would speak to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on how to bring an anti-conversion law with stringent provisions.
New Indian Express
7 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Maharashtra to enact anti-conversion law in December, will be stricter than other states: Minister
MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government will bring a tough law to prevent religious conversions in the winter session of the legislature and its provisions will be more stringent than similar legislations existing in other states, minister Pankaj Bhoyar has said. Speaking in the legislative council on Monday, the minister of state for home (rural) noted Maharashtra will be the 11th Indian state to come up with such a law. "A panel has been formed under the Director General of Police to frame a law (against religious conversions) that will be stricter than the rest of the 10 states. A report (on the issue drafted by DGP) has been submitted and the law will be passed in the coming (winter) session," he told the House. The winter session of the state legislature is usually held in December in Nagpur, the second capital of Maharashtra. Raising the issue of forced conversion in the state, Shiv Sena leader and nominated MLC Manisha Kayande alleged a pregnant woman committed suicide in Sangli district of western Maharashtra as she was under pressure (from in-laws) to change her religion. There was a fight in a Pune-based family over the issue of religious conversion and cross FIRs were filed over the matter, she said. Kayande pointed out that 10 states -- Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand -- have their own anti-conversion law. The MLC asked whether Maharashtra's Mahayuti government will bring an anti-conversion law like these 10 states, to which the minister replied in the affirmative. Last week, Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule also said a strict law to prevent religious conversions will be enacted in the state. Replying to a debate on the issue in the state assembly, Bawankule had said he would speak to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on how to bring an anti-conversion law with stringent provisions.
The Print
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
Mahayuti govt to enact anti-conversion law in Dec, it will be tougher than other states: Minister
'A panel has been formed under the Director General of Police to frame a law (against religious conversions) that will be stricter than the rest of the 10 states. A report (on the issue drafted by DGP) has been submitted and the law will be passed in the coming (winter) session,' he told the house. Speaking in the legislative council, Pankaj Bhoyar, Minister of State for Home (Rural), noted Maharashtra will be the 11th Indian state to come up with such a law. Mumbai, Jul 14 (PTI) The Maharashtra government will enact a tough law to prevent religious conversions in the winter session of the legislature and its provisions will be more stringent that similar legislations existing in other states, a minister said on Monday. The winter session of the state legislature is usually held in December in Nagpur, the second capital of Maharashtra. Raising the issue of forced conversion in the state, Shiv Sena leader and nominated MLC Manisha Kayande alleged a pregnant woman committed suicide in Sangli district of western Maharashtra as she was under pressure (from in-laws) to change her religion. There was a fight in a Pune-based family over the issue of religious conversion and cross FIRs were filed over the matter, she said. Kayande pointed out that 10 states — Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand — have their own anti-conversion law. The MLC asked whether Maharashtra's Mahayuti government will bring an anti-conversion law like these ten states to which the minister replied in the affirmative. PTI PR RSY This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
News18
07-07-2025
- Health
- News18
Are Pigeons Making You Sick? Why Mumbai Is Closing All 51 'Kabootar Khanas'
Last Updated: While often seen as harmless, pigeons can carry and transmit several zoonotic diseases, those that can jump from animals to humans, through their droppings, feathers, or mites The Maharashtra government has ordered the immediate shutdown of all 51 'Kabootar Khanas' (designated feeding zones for pigeons) across Mumbai, citing serious public health risks associated with pigeon droppings and feathers. The move comes following a heated debate in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, where multiple lawmakers warned of the dangers posed by continued pigeon feeding in public spaces. Raising the issue on Thursday, July 3, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Manisha Kayande described the city's kabootar khanas as a public health menace, stating that footpaths had turned into pigeon nests. 'Their droppings and feathers are a direct threat to residents' respiratory health," she said. She cited a study published in the Indian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, which links exposure to pigeon feces with severe lung diseases. Supporting her claim, BJP MLC Chitra Wagh added an emotional appeal, revealing that her own aunt died due to a respiratory illness allegedly caused by long-term exposure to pigeon droppings. Responding on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde, Minister Uday Samant confirmed the government's decision. 'There are 51 'kabootar khanas' in the city. The civic body will be asked to start (an awareness) drive against 'kabootar khanas' within a month. Directions will be issued to the BMC to immediately start the process of shutting 'kabootar khanas'," he told the House. He added that unauthorised feeding zones have already been dismantled in areas like Santacruz East, Daulat Nagar, and Santacruz West. In their place, the BMC has developed traffic islands and Miyawaki-style micro-forests. kabootar khana, which was shut for two days but reopened following public outcry and spontaneous feeding activity by residents. The minister also noted bizarre trends in feeding patterns. At Girgaon Chowpatty, some pigeons have even developed a taste for pizza and burgers, he said, highlighting how human interference has altered their natural behaviour. What Makes Pigeons Dangerous? While often seen as harmless urban wildlife, pigeons can carry and transmit several zoonotic diseases, those that can jump from animals to humans, through their droppings, feathers, or mites. These include: Histoplasmosis: A fungal lung infection caused by inhaling spores from dried pigeon droppings. Cryptococcosis: Another fungal disease affecting lungs or the central nervous system. Psittacosis (Parrot Fever): A bacterial infection that can cause severe flu-like symptoms and pneumonia. Salmonellosis: Caused when pigeon droppings contaminate food or surfaces with Salmonella bacteria. Allergic Alveolitis (Pigeon Breeder's Lung): Chronic exposure to bird proteins can trigger serious allergic lung reactions. Parasites: Pigeons can harbour mites and ticks that transfer to humans or infest buildings. The respiratory effects can be especially severe in children, the elderly, or those with asthma. According to medical experts, symptoms can range from chronic coughing and shortness of breath to long-term lung damage if exposure is repeated and prolonged. Environmental Damage And Cleanup Costs Beyond human health, pigeon droppings, rich in uric acid, can corrode metal, damage buildings, statues, and even car paint. Accumulated droppings on walkways also create slipping hazards, and the cost of cleaning these areas has become a financial burden for civic authorities. Pigeon nests in ventilation systems and roof spaces further contribute to mold growth and unhygienic conditions in both residential and commercial buildings. What You Can Do If Pigeons Roost Near You Civic health experts recommend taking proactive steps to pigeon-proof homes and workplaces: Seal openings in attics, vents, and balconies to block nesting. Use spikes, nets, or sloped surfaces to deter birds from landing. Reflective materials like old CDs or rotating mirrors can help repel them. Avoid feeding pigeons directly, and clean up leftover seeds if you feed other birds. Secure garbage bins and keep pet food indoors. When cleaning droppings, always wear gloves and a mask. Moisten the droppings to prevent dust, and use disinfectant. Never vacuum dry droppings without a HEPA filter. For heavy infestations, consult professional bird-control services. Pigeon feeding is a long-standing tradition in Mumbai, associated with religious merit and community bonding. For decades, kabootar khanas have served as meeting places for the devout and the elderly. But with the rising awareness of zoonotic risks and urban sanitation, authorities appear determined to curtail the practice, despite likely opposition. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Mumbai, India, India First Published: July 07, 2025, 13:39 IST
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
‘Kabootars are dangerous': Maharashtra govt orders immediate shutdown of pigeon feeding points in Mumbai
The Maharashtra government has ordered the BMC to shut down all pigeon feeding spots in Mumbai due to public health concerns over respiratory issues caused by pigeon droppings. This decision follows complaints and legislative council discussions, with officials highlighting the need for public awareness regarding the risks of feeding pigeons. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Health risk raised in legislative council 51 feeding points to be targeted Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Need for public awareness on pigeon feeding Unauthorized feeding spots already removed Protest erupted over similar action last year Activists allege political interference in demolition Previous attempts to block pigeon feeding reported Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Animal rights groups escalate protest to higher authorities The Maharashtra government has directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to immediately begin shutting down all 'kabootar khanas', pigeon feeding points, in Mumbai, citing public health concerns related to pigeon droppings. The move follows growing complaints that the sites are causing respiratory problems among Sena leader and nominated MLC Manisha Kayande raised the issue in the Maharashtra legislative council on Thursday. She said, 'These 'kabootar khanas' pose a danger to the people living around them as their waste and feathers lead to respiratory diseases.'BJP leader Chitra Wagh, also a nominated member of the Council, added that she had lost a family member due to pigeon-related health complications. 'I lost my aunt due to respiratory diseases arising from pigeon droppings,' she to the matter on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Urban Development Minister Uday Samant informed the House that there are 51 'kabootar khanas' in Mumbai.'The civic body will be asked to start (an awareness) drive against 'kabootar khanas' within a month. Directions will be issued to the BMC to immediately start the process of shutting 'kabootar khanas',' Samant highlighted the need to inform the public about the risks of feeding pigeons. He mentioned that pigeons have been observed eating leftover fast food at public places like Girgaum said the Dadar 'kabootar khana', one of the city's most well-known pigeon feeding spots, was briefly shut but reopened after residents resumed feeding birds a written reply, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde stated that unauthorised 'kabootar khanas' in Santacruz East, Daulat Nagar, and Santacruz West have already been shut. The BMC has replaced those areas with traffic islands and Miyawaki-style gardens, he civic body is now expected to carry out further closures as per the government's demolition of a long-standing pigeon feeding area at Gowalia Tank in South Mumbai during Dhanteras last year drew strong criticism from animal welfare groups and bird lovers. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) removed the 'kabootar khana' structure, triggering outrage among activists, who alleged political motives behind the welfare volunteers said the decision to remove the kabootar khana was taken following a closed-door meeting involving local residents and political workers the previous night. Sneha Visaria from the Just Smile Charitable Trust said, 'We came to know that there was a meeting of some local residents and political workers of a particular party on Monday night, on the issue of demolishing this 15-year-old kabootar khana at Gowalia Tank (August Kranti Maidan). Hence, it was demolished to get their votes. We animal lovers immediately called up the police control number and also tried to talk to the local civic officials to protest against this.'Visaria added that this wasn't the first attempt to restrict bird feeding at the site. 'Several pigeons died three months ago as feeders were stopped from giving them food. Now, again the tiles at the site were broken. This is against our Constitutional duty to show compassion for birds and animals. The Animal Welfare Board of India also supported our cause of feeding birds by writing to the BMC in 2022,' she alleged that flower pots had been placed at the spot a few months earlier to obstruct access and discourage pigeon animal rights organisations and Jain religious bodies are planning to escalate the matter by writing to state and central authorities. Letters are expected to be sent to the Animal Welfare Board of India and the Prime Minister's Office, requesting intervention and the preservation of long-standing bird feeding argue that the sudden removal of such spaces, without consultation, undermines decades-old practices and disrespects the sentiments of communities that support animal welfare. These groups are asking the government to consider these feeding points as cultural and compassionate spaces rather than targets for removal.(Inputs from PTI)
