Contrast is too obvious to be ignored. For years, pigeons have been present and thriving in Ranchi. As they were elesewhere.

However, in the commercial capital of the country, Mumbai, pigeons were ubiquitous in its cityscape.

In the capital city of Jharkhand, they can be found fluttering around the Deputy Commissioner’s office, Kanke Road, Doranda AG Colony. 

The scene was no different in Mumbai railway stations, at the iconic Gateway of India, and pigeons can be spotted flocking in droves in feeding areas known as kabutarkhanas.

However, these spots in Mumbai are now found covered with large tarpaulin sheets after a recent High Court order, giving flight to controversy, protests, as well as the first FIR in Mumbai for feeding pigeons.

At the centre of the row is a July 31 order by the Bombay High Court directing the Mumbai civic body (BMC) to strictly initiate criminal proceedings against those defying the ban on pigeon feeding at public and heritage sites.

While passing the order, the court cited serious public health hazards, including respiratory infections, and damage to heritage sites due to their droppings. It came amid a surging pigeon population in Mumbai.

In Ranchi, the population of pigeons was growing at an alarming rate. Yet, they remain beyond the reach of any law enforcing authority and judiciary, enabling them to fly around and damage balconies and kitchen gardens of citizens with their droppings, causing public health hazards.

Another side are pigeon lovers in Ranchi. They see them as symbols of love, peace, and loyalty due to their monogamous nature and strong pair bonds.

Some cultures of Adivasis associate pigeons with good luck and prosperity. In fact, Pigeon lovers may find these symbolic meanings to be a part of their appreciation for the birds and no legal ban on their life.