Cleanliness or cruelty? AMC bans bird, animal feeding at Sabarmati Riverfront

Amadavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has imposed a ban on feeding birds and animals at the Sabarmati Riverfront and on all roads and open spaces connected to the project area, citing rising filth and public nuisance caused by such activities.

According to the civic body’s Cattle Nuisance Control Department, bird and animal feeding has led to increased littering and hygiene issues at the riverfront. To curb this, feeding of birds or animals at public places within the riverfront project area has been prohibited.

In addition, a 10-member task force has been constituted to prevent public littering at the Sabarmati Riverfront. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has also planned to gradually impose similar bans on bird and animal feeding at other public places across the city.

The task force includes officials from the Sabarmati Riverfront Authority as well as the riverfront police inspector. It will be responsible for enforcement action to stop bird and animal feeding in the area.

Under the Health Bylaws-2012, framed by the municipal corporation and implemented from May 10, 2013, penalty action will be taken against those feeding birds or animals in public places. As per the bylaws, if any individual or organisation causes public nuisance or littering, the civic body’s Solid Waste Department can levy penalties or administrative charges.

According to Clause 50.1(7) of the Health Bylaws implemented in 2013, feeding birds or animals in public places is prohibited, and violators can be fined ₹100.

Despite the ban, bird feeding spots have increased in parts of Ahmedabad. A senior civic official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that effective enforcement by the Solid Waste Management Department has been lacking.

After restrictions were imposed on stray cattle, the number of animal feeding spots had reduced. However, with a new ban now proposed on dog feeding, authorities plan to first identify dog-feeding spots across the city. Notices will then be issued to prohibit dog feeding at public places.