Controversy erupts as MC calls for shooting kites

The Metropolitan Corporation (MC) has opted for a controversial approach in dealing with the issue of kites being fed meat, choosing to eliminate kites instead of addressing the individuals providing them with bait.

A proposal suggesting a reward of Rs1,000 for citizens who shoot kites has sparked considerable concern. Meanwhile, the National Alliance of Animal Rights Activists and Advocates (NARA) has taken a stand against this decision and plans to challenge it in the Lahore High Court.

Soars of kites can be seen flying above the provincial metropolis, especially near the Ravi River Bridge, the vicinity of the dumping site and areas along Lahore Canal Road where butchers will leave meat for kites. The government has imposed a ban on this practice, but administrative negligence has ensured that the ban is not enforced.

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Kites swoop to ground level to eat this meat, sometimes colliding with motorcyclists and causing accidents. Meanwhile, small birds such as sparrows, doves and mayna are falling prey to kites, with long-term environmental consequences.

After failing to stop the butchers from leaving meat, the MC has offered rewards of Rs1,000 to shoot the birds of prey. The corporation called for proposals from Lahore to adopt a strategy against the birds, after the approval of which the Section Officer Regulations has issued a letter for gazette notification. The letter has been issued under Section 140A of the Local Government Act, 2022.

Instructions have been issued to the Metropolitan Finance Officer to allocate money in the budget for rewards in the next financial year.

The amount will be released after verification of the concerned enforcement inspector and MO regulation. According to the post, aerial fire can be fired to kill kites and leaving meat on buildings, restaurants and rooftops will led to the premises being sealed.

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Within the limits of the city, the Zonal Officer regulation will be responsible for compiling records of kites and meat dumps.

The inspector concerned will be authorised to take action against those leaving meat as per the by-laws. It was also stated in the letter that an FIR will be registered under Section 188 against those dumping meat for interfering in government affairs. The suggestions were sent to Administrator Lahore for approval.

On the other hand, focal person for the National Alliance of Animal Rights Activists and Advocates, Aneeza Khan Omerzai says this will be a very cruel move; this move will be challenged in the Lahore High Court. She accused the MC administration of killing the kites to cover up negligence within the department.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 9^th, 2023.