Date:05/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/05/stories/2009010551890300.htm

Other States - Rajasthan

The winged landlords of Rajasthan

Jaipur: Their love for birds in the parts of Rajasthan goes well beyond feeding them or putting water in pots in the open. Difficult to believe that people in two villages, Asop and Naadsar in Jodhpur have actually donated pieces of land in the names of pigeons. Bank accounts too are run in the name of pigeons.

Pigeons in these villages with 472 ‘Bighas’ (a rural unit to measure land) and a healthy bank balance of Rs.22 lakhs may well qualify to make it to the books of records. “These pieces of land in government record are in the name of pigeons (Doli banam Kabutaran -means- land of pigeons). The land was donated years back for the sake of pigeons,” Sitaram Choudhary, Patwari, a village government official said.

“Kabutaram (pigeons) committee, which looks after the land, gives it on lease for one year to farmers for agricultural purpose. Three shops are also there in the name of pigeon which are also generating rent,” Nand Kishore Kasat, son of a former president of the committee said.

The money earned is used for the feeding of pigeons in Asop, Naadsar and nearby villages. - PTI