Pesticides could be the reason behind pigeon deaths at republican square - Special Investigation Committee

The recent incident of dead MCPW members (pigeons) found at Male', republican square (jumhooree maidhaan) is being investigated by a special committee formed by the MCPW riyaasee commission.One of the members of this committee (Learsion) have said that pesticides might be the cause behind the death of hundreds of pigeons at the republican square.

"It seems they have sprayed pesticide for mosquito control in to the water fountain at this place.and it is believed that the pigeons drank from this fountain,and had died of poison.Tour guides who often visit that area says 200 to 500 pigeons must have died in this incident"said Mr.Learsion.

But he further said that this is no time to come to a conclusion regarding this incident because investigation is still going on.But i guess if this is what the final report of the committee says...there would be problems for the government.Some MCPW members have already gone on coffee strikes regarding this matter to pressure the special committee to speed up their investigation and come out with the final report as soon as possible.

[A little girl feeding the pigeons at republican square:These pigeons have been a source of delectation for the locals and a good tourist attraction.]/photo:Niuma.

It have to be noted that the maldivian government have never shown any hostility against pigeons except a very few times. The famous black friday was indeed a 'very black' Friday for the pigeon populations living in the republican square area.though their homes are located in Ahumadhee Baazaaru roofs and gutters they spend most of their time at the republican square.

Special operation have been conducted by the Maldivian military forces (N.S.S) in the past for killing bats,crows and rats which are considered as pests. but pigeons have never been guilty of any crime which would fall under the Maldives Pest Control Act .There were rumors about government going to kill thousands of pigeons in 2005 and 2006 fearing the Bird flu , but it did not happen like that.So far the only animal related problem between Maldivian Government and the MCPW is the crock in kudakudhinge bageechaa children's park, but now it might might go to another level with the republican square incident.Is it really a government massacre? i guess it is too soon to tell for sure.have to wait for the final report.