Nowadays fluttering pigeons at the backdrop of a modern Metro is becoming the hallmark of Delhi. I live about a few kilometers from one of these spots, and I always see pigeons well fed by by-passers. It appears that they feel something good will happen to them if they feed the pigeons. Its all feels good and looks nice. But some of Delhiites park their cars on the road, blocking traffic to feed the pigeons. How ignorant these people are?
But the pigeons I want to write about are the Delhites themselves. Almost everyone I know in Delhi, live in a flat, and these flats are like pigeon-holes. Almost all the flats are four storeyed, some families occupy more than one storey, but most live in a single storey. Like pigeons, they come out in the morning, and get back in when sun set. In between, you may see some of them on their balconies, most 5 m by 2 m. Well, there is not much of choice in Delhi, the land is premium here. I too live in a flat like the rest of them, so I am a pigeon too.
My problem is with those who have pets, specially dogs, in these pigeon holes. Just imagine an animal, confined to a flat, often a 5 m by 2 m balcony all day. To me is like they are being punished, for no fault of theirs. Although, their owners would claim that they are kind to the animals and so on. But my real problem is with these Delhiites, who bring their dogs for a 'walk' essentially for the dogs to relieve themselves. The dogs invariably, always liter on the streets. This is on top of all the filth and garbage that accumulate on the street. This is just filthy, and it appears it doesn't bother anyone but me.
I remember in the eighties, New York Mayor, Ed Koch, fined those walkers when their dogs littered, unless they clean the mess immediately. I do not think it is likely such a measure would be imposed in Delhi.
So, I just have to put up with the pigeons and the dogs......
But the pigeons I want to write about are the Delhites themselves. Almost everyone I know in Delhi, live in a flat, and these flats are like pigeon-holes. Almost all the flats are four storeyed, some families occupy more than one storey, but most live in a single storey. Like pigeons, they come out in the morning, and get back in when sun set. In between, you may see some of them on their balconies, most 5 m by 2 m. Well, there is not much of choice in Delhi, the land is premium here. I too live in a flat like the rest of them, so I am a pigeon too.
My problem is with those who have pets, specially dogs, in these pigeon holes. Just imagine an animal, confined to a flat, often a 5 m by 2 m balcony all day. To me is like they are being punished, for no fault of theirs. Although, their owners would claim that they are kind to the animals and so on. But my real problem is with these Delhiites, who bring their dogs for a 'walk' essentially for the dogs to relieve themselves. The dogs invariably, always liter on the streets. This is on top of all the filth and garbage that accumulate on the street. This is just filthy, and it appears it doesn't bother anyone but me.
I remember in the eighties, New York Mayor, Ed Koch, fined those walkers when their dogs littered, unless they clean the mess immediately. I do not think it is likely such a measure would be imposed in Delhi.
So, I just have to put up with the pigeons and the dogs......
