The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has banned the feeding of birds and animals at the Sabarmati Riverfront, as well as on adjoining roads and open spaces, citing growing filth and public nuisance.
The civic body’s Cattle Nuisance Control Department said such feeding activities have led to littering and hygiene problems at the riverfront. To address this, feeding birds or animals at any public place within the riverfront project area has been prohibited.
To ensure enforcement, AMC has formed a 10-member task force to curb littering and prevent bird and animal feeding at the riverfront. The team includes officials from the Sabarmati Riverfront Authority and the riverfront police inspector. The civic body also plans to gradually extend similar bans to other public places across Ahmedabad.
Under the Health Bylaws-2012, which came into force in May 2013, feeding birds or animals in public places is prohibited. Violators can face penalty action, with Clause 50.1(7) of the bylaws prescribing a fine of ₹100 for those found feeding animals or causing public nuisance or littering. The Solid Waste Management Department is authorised to impose fines or administrative charges in such cases.
Despite the ban, bird-feeding spots have increased in several parts of the city. A senior civic official, speaking on condition of anonymity, admitted that enforcement by the Solid Waste Management Department has been weak.
Officials noted that animal feeding spots had reduced after restrictions were imposed on stray cattle. Now, with a proposed ban on dog feeding, authorities plan to first identify dog-feeding locations across the city and issue notices to stop feeding dogs at public places.