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Dadar Kabutarkhana: Three Petitions Filed with BMC Seeking Removal of Pigeon Feeding Ban
- by Webdesk
- 21 Aug 2025
Source: Hindustan Times
MUMBAI: Animal welfare groups and advocates have now submitted three separate petitions to the BMC, requesting that the civic body revoke the recent ban on feeding pigeons and other bird species across the city’s kabutarkhanas and traditional bird-feeding areas. These appeals follow the August order of the Bombay High Court, which clarified that citizens may apply for permission to feed pigeons and instructed the BMC to evaluate such requests after consulting all relevant stakeholders, while also awaiting the recommendations of an expert committee.
The three official applications have been put forward by:
The Dadar Kabutarkhana Trust
Animal and bird rights activist Dr. Pallavi Sachin Patil
A long-time feeder at Mahalaxmi Race Course, represented legally by Yasmin Bhansali & Co.
Following procedure, the BMC has invited Mumbai citizens to send in their suggestions, objections, and feedback on these propo
One of the petitions, filed by the woman who has been feeding various bird species at the Mahalaxmi Race Course for over two decades, strongly challenges the civic body’s sudden decision to enforce a ban. The ban was announced through a banner at the site, citing the spread of bird flu and the risk of hypersensitivity pneumonia (HIP) from pigeon droppings, along with a ₹500 penalty under BMC’s bye-laws. The feeder argues that this abrupt prohibition lacked proper notice, site-specific evaluation, and due legal process. She explained that she has been feeding kites, eagles, crows, sparrows, parrots, koels, and other species in a non-residential buffer zone for years without health or hygiene issues. Her demand is clear: the blanket ban should be lifted immediately, and the banner declaring it should be taken down.
Meanwhile, Dadar Kabutarkhana Trust trustee Narendra Mehta has sought permission to allow controlled and hygienic pigeon feeding as per court directions. The Trust has argued that thousands of pigeons depend on the regular grain made available at kabutarkhanas for survival. Since the closure of these feeding sites, pigeons have been left without adequate food, causing daily deaths. To address health and sanitation concerns, the Trust has promised to restore clean water and electricity at the site, build fencing barriers, maintain drainage systems to avoid blockages from pigeon feathers, and regulate feeding hours. It has proposed two fixed feeding sessions daily — 7 am to 9 am and 4 pm to 5 pm — while assuring the BMC of quality control over the grain supplied.
The third applicant, Dr. Pallavi Sachin Patil, has urged the civic body to grant permission for pigeon feeding at all traditional and natural feeding zones across Mumbai. Her proposal emphasizes protective measures for feeders — especially senior citizens and women — alongside strict sanitation protocols, scheduled feeding hours, and installation of water bowls and public awareness signage. Dr. Patil has also stressed that restrictions should apply solely to pigeons and not to other bird species like sparrows, crows, or migratory birds, which should continue to be allowed to feed naturally.
All three applicants have backed their arguments with constitutional provisions — including Article 51A(g) (duty to show compassion to living beings) and Article 21 (right to life with dignity) — and landmark judgments such as Animal Welfare Board vs. A. Nagaraja (2014) and People for Animals vs. MCGM (2015). They contend that while public health is important, animal welfare too deserves protection, and any restrictions should be applied in the least harmful and most humane manner possible.
The BMC has made the proposals available for public viewing on its official website. Citizens are urged to carefully study the details and provide feedback on whether pigeon feeding should be allowed in a regulated manner and limited to specific timings. Opinions may also be shared on the operation and management of pigeon shelters and the civic responsibility involved.
Members of the public can submit objections or suggestions through email at suggestions@mcgm.gov.in
until Friday, August 29. Those preferring to respond in person may deliver written submissions directly to the designated BMC office during official working hours within the same period.
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