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Kabutarkhana row: BMC opens doors for public opinion on pigeon feeding
- by Webdesk
- 18 Aug 2025
Source: Hindustan Times
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has started seeking public feedback on whether pigeon feeding at designated kabutarkhanas should be brought under regulation. This step follows a directive from the Bombay High Court, which on August 13 ordered the formation of a committee and made citizen consultation mandatory before any final decision.
As part of this process, the civic body has already received three formal submissions. The first came from the Dadar Kabutarkhana Trust Board, the second from Yasmin Bhansali and Company, and the third from animal and bird rights activist Pallavi Patil. Interestingly, all three applicants have expressed willingness to take responsibility for managing the feeding of pigeons at shelters and ensuring a steady supply of grain for them.
According to BMC officials, these applications will be made available for public viewing on Monday through the corporation’s official website. This will allow ordinary citizens to study the proposals and respond with their own suggestions, objections, or support.
In line with the High Court’s order, the civic body has set a timeline for public consultation. Between August 18 and August 29, citizens can submit their views. Feedback is specifically being sought on key points such as whether pigeon feeding should be limited to fixed hours, whether it should only be allowed in a controlled manner at authorized sites, and how the overall management of kabutarkhana shelters can be improved.
Officials have underlined that this issue goes beyond tradition or religious practice—it directly concerns public health. Pigeon droppings have long been linked to respiratory illnesses and other health hazards. Hence, the corporation argues that any policy must strike a balance between respecting cultural practices and safeguarding the well-being of citizens. The High Court, too, emphasized that public health must remain the top priority while ensuring that community sentiments are not ignored.
Although applicants have assured the civic body of their readiness to take charge of the feeding arrangements, the BMC has decided not to rush into a conclusion. Instead, it aims to carefully weigh the suggestions and objections of all stakeholders before framing guidelines.
The consultation window is therefore being seen as an important opportunity for Mumbaikars to make their voices heard on a matter that directly affects both health and heritage. For many, kabutarkhanas are part of the city’s cultural identity, while for others, the uncontrolled feeding poses serious environmental and medical risks.
The coming days will reveal the nature of the feedback the civic body receives and the course of action it eventually chooses. Whatever the outcome, the decision is likely to have a long-term impact on Mumbai’s public health policy and on how the city balances tradition with modern civic responsibilities.
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