BMC has sought suggestions and objections from citizens, between August 18 and 29, on leaving grain for pigeons in public areas; last week, petitioners requested permission to feed pigeons in public during restricted hours, in line with Bombay High Court directives
Police barricade Dadar kabutarkhana on August 10. PIC/ASHISH RAJE
For the first time since it imposed a ban on feeding pigeons in public two months ago, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is officially asking Mumbaikars for their say on the issue. The civic body has invited suggestions and objections on whether controlled feeding should be allowed at designated times of the day. The window for public feedback opens on Monday, August 18, and will remain open until Friday, August 29.
Last week, petitioners requested permission to feed pigeons in public during restricted hours, in line with Bombay High Court directives. The high court had earlier told petitioners challenging the civic ban to seek permission from the BMC if they wished to continue the practice. On August 12, petitioners wrote to Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, asking for three feeding slots.
BMC has installed a tarpaulin sheet over the pigeon feeding spot at Dadar kabutarkhana. PIC/ASHISH RAJE
During the hearing on August 13, the BMC suggested the option of controlled feeding, following which the high court directed it to seek feedback from residents. Applications to allow feeding at kabutarkhanas have already been submitted by the Dadar Kabutarkhana Trust Board, Yasmin Bhansali & Company, and animal rights activist Pallavi Patil. These applications are now available for public viewing on the BMC website.
On Sunday, the civic body issued a public appeal: “Citizens are requested to review the applications uploaded on the website and send their objections or suggestions on whether pigeons should be fed in a controlled manner... to the email ID [suggestions@mcgm.gov.in] between August 18 and August 29, 2025.”
It added, “If objections are to be submitted in writing, they must be addressed to the Executive Health Officer, Third Floor, F South Division Office Building, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marg, Parel, Mumbai-400 012, during office hours between August 18 and August 29.”
Sandeep Doshi, trustee of the Jain Temple adjoining the Dadar Kabutarkhana, said, “Our suggestion is that BMC should not let pigeons die. At least 30 minutes to one hour should be given for feeding. This is not a communal issue. Many Marathi families, too, feed pigeons.”
Helplines
With the BMC inviting feedback, members of the Jain community have set up helplines for rescuing injured pigeons. A mobile van with a vet will also visit reported spots to treat birds in distress.
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