India, Aug. 6 -- After the brouhaha from the Jain and Gujarati communities, the Maharashtra government did a turnaround in its stand on kabutarkhanas (pigeon-feeding sites). Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, in a meeting on Tuesday, stated that the sudden closure of kabutarkhanas was inappropriate and directed the BMC to allow "controlled feeding" there at specific hours to ensure that the birds did not starve.

In a side nod to the very real concern of public health, the CM directed the civic body to also conduct a scientific study with the help of experts to address concerns such as respiratory issues, pollution from the huge amount of pigeon droppings and public hygiene. The meeting was attended by deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, Man...