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Dadar Kabutarkhana: BMC proposes 2-hour pigeon feeding; HC forms committee to study health effects
- by Webdesk
- 14 Aug 2025
Source: The Times Of India
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Wednesday set up a special expert committee to study the effects of pigeon feeding and their droppings on public health. The panel has been tasked with examining not only the health hazards but also considering whether, if feeding is proven to harm public health, the activity can still be permitted under strict regulation without compromising safety. It will also explore the possibility of identifying designated spots and creating clear guidelines for such regulated feeding.
“This is undoubtedly in the larger interest of the public, and hence an expert committee must be formed,” the HC observed. For now, the court has continued its interim ban on pigeon feeding but allowed the BMC to review and decide on specific requests from activists and the Dadar Kabutarkhana Trust for controlled feeding.
The BMC indicated its plan to permit feeding between 6 am and 8 am at the Dadar Kabutarkhana. However, the HC cautioned against a hasty move. “You cannot allow feeding simply because there is a request, especially after deciding to close it in the interest of public health. A proper, well-thought-out decision is necessary,” the bench remarked. It added that the civic body must issue public notices, invite objections from citizens, and only then take a call. “Once a decision is taken in the public health interest, that sanctity must be maintained,” noted the division bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Arif Doctor.
Advocate General Birendra Saraf, who was assisting the court and tasked with suggesting names for the expert panel, proposed a list that included noted pulmonologist Dr. Sujit Rajan—known for his strong recommendation to shut down public feeding sites—and Dr. Amita Athavale, who has advocated a multidisciplinary approach to confirm the risks posed by large gatherings of pigeons. The list also featured an immunologist, a microbiologist, and a veterinary science professor.
Saraf suggested that when the BMC receives applications for feeding, the civic chief could stipulate a condition requiring the applicant to seek HC approval before removing the protective tarpaulin at the Dadar Kabutarkhana. He also stressed that the state remains committed to safeguarding public health while exploring if strictly monitored feeding could be allowed without endangering people.
The BMC, in its submission, said that upon receiving the Kabutarkhana Trust’s plea, it was inclined to consider regulated feeding under strict conditions—such as mandatory cleaning of the premises after feeding. Representing the trust, senior advocate Anil Sakhare informed the court that his clients were willing to provide a formal undertaking to comply with such requirements.
Justice Kulkarni reminded the BMC’s lawyer that the feeding area was already covered, so the practice must not spill onto public roads, and any decision should not go against court directives. “It’s not just about the petitioners—this is an issue of public concern. You have a duty to inform and involve the public before making decisions. A public notice should have been issued. Once the matter concerns public health, it’s not about one individual’s request; it impacts society, including residents and passersby,” the court said.
The bench further stressed that the municipal commissioner must make a well-informed decision in line with the law, considering both public health and constitutional rights. “The public must be given a chance to voice their opinions. Include an email address in your notices so objections can be sent easily. The sanctity of the public order must be preserved,” the judges instructed.
They concluded by directing the BMC to immediately begin the process, inviting all stakeholders to submit their inputs to the civic chief. These views must be carefully assessed, and every issue raised should be addressed in detail before arriving at a final decision.
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