Those who live in concrete jungles are well aware of the difficulties of coexisting with pigeons, which enter homes through windows and doors, lay eggs, and leave feathers and other droppings in their wake. The pigeon problem appears to have spread to the divine abodes as well!
The Somnath Temple Trust recently advertised for professional assistance from “kabootarbaazs” (pigeon trainers) to help direct the burgeoning pigeon flocks to alternate residences.
In its advertisement, the trust stated that it wants the kabootarbaazs to persuade the pigeons to leave the temple grounds and take up residence in two large, intricately crafted “chabutaras” (bird shelters) built specifically for them.
When pigeons began using the temple grounds for flight and recreation, the trust established the two chabutaras near the shrine to rehabilitate the birds. The two chabutaras are still empty a year later, as the birds don’t seem to like the avian high-rises.
So far, four pigeon experts have expressed interest in the field.
On November 26, the trust placed an ad in the newspaper inviting kabootarbaazs to prod the birds into accepting the realty deal.
People who are experts in handling columbidae, the bird family that includes pigeons and doves, are referred to as kabootarbaaz. Over time, the term has taken on a new meaning, referring to the illegal movement of people.
The trust’s original kabootarbaazs, on the other hand, train the birds to bring in their untrained relatives. To put it another way, kabootarbaazs use peer-to-peer teaching to train birds to obey human commands.
“For a long time, the pigeons on the temple grounds have been a problem. Cleaning up their mess takes a long time “According to Ashwin Jani, the Somnath Temple Trust’s administration officer. “To address the issue, we decided to build them homes out of bird food. The chabutaras, on the other hand, are not being used by the birds. We’re stumped as to why this is happening.”
According to a bird expert, the chabutaras in question is out in the open. He continued, “The birds seek enclosed spaces where they feel safe.”
So far, four pigeon experts have expressed interest in the job, according to Jani. “We need to talk to the kabootarbaazs and figure out how to handle the situation,” he said, adding that the payment and duration of work will be worked out after the consultants assess the situation.