Continue controlled feeding at Dadar's kabutarkhana until alternatives are in place: Maharashtra CM Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. File Pic

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has instructed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to continue feeding pigeons in a controlled manner at Kabutarkhana until long-term alternatives are worked out. The decision comes amid concerns over the abrupt suspension of feeding practices, which could endanger the birds and affect the surrounding environment.

CM Fadnavis, speaking at a review meeting on the issue at Mantralaya, said that while the health concerns associated with pigeon shelters are valid, suddenly shutting them down is not a practical solution. He emphasised the need to strike a balance between animal welfare, environmental concerns and public health.

"Feeding should continue, but in a regulated way, until proper arrangements are made," he said, adding that the current situation demands a sensitive yet practical approach.

The meeting was attended by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan, Employment and Innovation Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, MLA Kalidas Kolambkar, BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and Milind Mhaiskar, Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest Department.

The CM pointed out that the pigeon population in several parts of Mumbai has led to public health issues, including respiratory problems and unhygienic conditions due to droppings. He called for a scientific study to assess the impact of Kabutarkhana on public health and suggested the use of technical solutions to manage the waste.

He also proposed setting a feeding schedule to help maintain hygiene and ensure the well-being of the birds. The CM mentioned that he had earlier discussed the issue with animal rights activist and former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi.

The matter is currently sub judice, with a writ petition being heard in the Bombay High Court. Fadnavis said the state and BMC should present their side in court, and, if necessary, be prepared to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court.

He also directed the BMC to look into setting up dedicated bird shelters and ensuring their maintenance.

MNS slams Maharashtra minister's letter to BMC on 'kabutarkhanas'

Earlier on Tuesday, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) had taken strong objection to Maharashtra minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha's appeal to the Mumbai civic body seeking relief for the religious practice of pigeon feeding, stating that public health and urban hygiene must not be compromised for emotional reasons.

Lodha, who is also the guardian minister of the Mumbai suburban district, wrote to BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani requesting identification of designated open spaces as temporary zones for supervised pigeon feeding. However, MNS leaders, while responding sharply to this proposal, said rational decision-making must prevail over sentimentality.