MUMBAI : The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recently shut down the nearly century-old Dadar Kabutarkhana, which was a prominent pigeon feeding site in Mumbai. The decision came amid mounting concerns over health hazards caused by pigeon droppings and feathers. The move follows the Bombay High Court’s directive to strictly enforce a citywide ban on feeding pigeons at Kabutarkhanas. The court cited serious risks to public health and sanitation in its order.
The decision of the BMC to close down all 51 Kabutarkhanas across Mumbai, including the historic Dadar feeding spot, stemmed from a 30th July directive by the Bombay High Court. The court ordered the registration of FIRs against individuals defying the ban on feeding pigeons in public spaces and allowed the civic body to cordon off feeding sites to prevent further gatherings of the birds.
BMC cited provisions under the Municipal Corporation Act, 1888, and public health bylaws when initiating action to cover the structures, remove feed, and deploy staff to enforce compliance. According to BMC officials, this is a legal mandate based on recommendations from the state government. Notably, the state government flagged the alarming rise in respiratory diseases caused by prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings. Speaking to the media, Assistant Municipal Commissioner Jaydeep More said, “We are taking actions following orders by the High Court and state government. We are simply doing our job.” It is also a matter of cleanliness and sanitation regulations, as they prohibit animal feeding in non-designated areas. Anyone breaking the rules may face fines and legal action.
