The BMC had covered the Kabutarkhana on Sunday following a Bombay High Court observation that feeding congregations of pigeons amounts to public nuisance and poses health risks
Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi
Members of the Jain community gathered in large numbers at the iconic Dadar Kabutarkhana on Wednesday to protest against the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) move to cover the site with tarpaulin sheets. Community members removed the coverings, expressing strong opposition.
The BMC had covered the Kabutarkhana on Sunday following a Bombay High Court observation that feeding congregations of pigeons amounts to public nuisance and poses health risks. The court had directed the civic body to file FIRs against individuals engaging in pigeon feeding.
In response to the growing debate, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday stated that the “abrupt” closure of kabutarkhanas across Mumbai was not advisable. He emphasised the need for controlled feeding of pigeons, balancing environmental protection, bird welfare, and public health.
Chairing a meeting on the issue, Fadnavis suggested that any action taken must be accompanied by compassionate alternatives to prevent harm to the birds. “Saving the lives of pigeons, protecting the environment, and securing citizens' health — all three are important,” he said. Until a sustainable alternative is in place, he directed the BMC to allow regulated feeding at these sites.
The Chief Minister also proposed the formulation of a formal policy to define where and when pigeons may be fed safely. He called for a scientific study involving experts to examine the health impacts of pigeon droppings and to explore technical solutions for cleaning and waste disposal.
Fadnavis noted that he had discussed the matter with former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi and stressed that the state would consider moving to the Supreme Court, if required, to ensure a balanced resolution. He also urged the BMC to explore the establishment of dedicated aviaries with appropriate maintenance systems.
Meanwhile, the BMC reported that between July 13 and August 3, it had taken action against 142 individuals for feeding pigeons at various kabutarkhanas across Mumbai, collecting fines totalling Rs 68,700. Of these, 51 violations were recorded at Dadar Kabutarkhana alone, resulting in Rs 22,200 in penalties.
Other hotspots for violations included Daulat Nagar (Santacruz), Bandra Talao in the H-West ward, and the T ward in the eastern suburbs. The city currently has 44 kabutarkhanas, with the highest concentration in the P-North and P-East wards (five each), followed by four each in the K-West ward and D ward of South Mumbai.
The Bombay High Court, in its recent ruling, reiterated that mass feeding of pigeons constitutes a public health hazard and a nuisance, directing the civic body to initiate legal action against offenders. However, in a prior hearing last month, the court had restrained the BMC from demolishing heritage kabutarkhanas but clarified that it could not permit pigeon feeding at such sites.
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