- By Shibra Arshad
- Sun, 11 Jan 2026 03:28 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has banned the feeding of birds and animals near the riverfronts, as the act of kindness had turned into a public nuisance at the Sabarmati riverfront. The AMC team has begun enforcing the ban. According to officials, quoted in media reports, leftover grain, food waste and litter were harming cleanliness and creating health risks.
A 10-member task force, appointed by AMC, will identify and remove bird-feeding and animal-feeding spots. The team includes officers from the Sabarmati Riverfront Project and the local riverfront police station.
According to a report by the Times of India, the enforcement is underway, and offenders will be charged under AMC’s Public Health Bylaws, 2012.
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An Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) official stated that the prohibition on feeding birds or animals in public places has been in force for over a decade under Section 50.1(7) of the civic bylaws. Violators face a fine of Rs 100, in addition to applicable administrative charges.
Another official acknowledged that despite the existing ban, the solid waste department failed to take decisive action, leading to a proliferation of feeding spots throughout the city. The official noted that earlier crackdowns on stray cattle had temporarily reduced animal feeding, but the practice has resurfaced in a different form.
Feeding dogs in public spaces is now also prohibited. In the next phase, the AMC plans to identify dog-feeding locations across Ahmedabad. Following a public notice, the civic body will launch strict enforcement measures. Officials are also exploring the possibility of raising the fine amount for feeding birds or animals in public areas.
Sabarmati Riverfront Targeted First
The current enforcement drive has begun at the Sabarmati Riverfront. Authorities confirmed that the ban will gradually be extended to other public spaces throughout the city.
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This renewed initiative follows directives issued last year. In July 2024, then AMC commissioner M Thennarasan had instructed officials to map out bird-feeding nuisance spots on roads and public areas across Ahmedabad. Zonal deputy commissioners were tasked with identifying these locations and formulating plans for their removal. However, no significant follow-up action was taken at the time.