Mumbai Kabootarkhaana : BMC shortlists four designated spots for safe pigeon feeding across Mumbai

by Webdesk
29 Oct 2025

Months after imposing a citywide ban on pigeon feeding in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is now in the process of identifying specific locations where the practice may be permitted under regulated conditions. According to civic officials, four potential sites have been shortlisted—near Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), Aarey Milk Colony, a mangrove patch near Wadala, and the coastal area of Gorai.

These locations have been carefully chosen after extensive internal discussions, primarily because they are away from densely populated residential areas. Officials explained that the idea behind selecting these isolated zones is to ensure that pigeon feeding can continue without posing health hazards to local residents or creating sanitation issues, which were major concerns in the earlier feeding sites within city limits.

A senior civic officer said, “The aim is to create a balance between respecting community traditions and safeguarding public health. The new feeding sites will be designed in a way that minimizes human-pigeon interaction in residential zones.”

This move comes in the backdrop of a growing debate over pigeon feeding in Mumbai, particularly after the civic body, following court directives, took a strict stance earlier this year and banned the practice in several parts of the city. The decision had drawn criticism from sections of the Jain community, which considers feeding pigeons a long-standing act of compassion and charity.

Jain Community Seeks Alternative Sites

On Tuesday, a delegation from the Jain community met with BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, urging the civic administration to take a more inclusive approach by designating certain zones specifically for pigeon feeding. The delegation, which included members from the Shri Mumbai Jain Sangh Organisation, emphasized that the community’s tradition of feeding pigeons was a deeply rooted cultural and religious practice, and urged the authorities to identify suitable alternative locations.

During the meeting, Commissioner Gagrani assured the delegation that the BMC was actively exploring the possibility of setting up regulated pigeon feeding zones. He stated that appropriate areas would be identified soon, and a detailed proposal would be submitted to the Bombay High Court, where the matter is currently being heard. “We will ensure that the new locations are environmentally suitable and comply with public health guidelines,” Gagrani is believed to have said.

The civic chief’s assurance comes as a relief for community representatives, who have been requesting the BMC to find a middle ground that upholds both the court’s directives and the community’s sentiments.

Background of the Controversy

In September 2025, the BMC had directed assistant commissioners from all 25 administrative wards to propose possible sites for designated pigeon feeding zones. This exercise followed a Bombay High Court order directing the closure of several pigeon shelters located in residential areas, after residents and health experts raised concerns about the spread of respiratory illnesses caused by prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings.

One of the most affected sites was the iconic Dadar Kabootarkhana, which had been functioning for decades and had become synonymous with pigeon feeding in Mumbai. Following multiple complaints and medical reports linking pigeon droppings to hypersensitivity pneumonitis, the High Court ordered the closure of such shelters within populated neighborhoods, emphasizing that public health must take precedence over tradition.

The BMC’s new plan aims to strike a balance—allowing the continuation of pigeon feeding as a cultural practice, but only at specific, scientifically identified locations that do not compromise public hygiene or air quality.

Environmental and Public Health Perspective

Environmental experts have often highlighted that uncontrolled pigeon feeding leads to overpopulation of pigeons, which in turn causes hygiene issues, particularly in dense residential areas. Bird droppings are known to damage building facades, clog drainage systems, and spread certain fungal infections.

With the new plan, the BMC hopes to introduce controlled feeding practices—which may include time restrictions, proper cleaning measures, and possibly even designated caretakers to monitor hygiene at the approved sites.

A civic official from the Solid Waste Management Department said that if the pilot project at these four identified sites proves successful, the BMC could consider setting up more such zones in other parts of the city.

Next Steps and Legal Process

Once the proposed locations are finalized, the BMC will present its detailed report to the Bombay High Court. The proposal will include environmental impact assessments, accessibility factors, and long-term maintenance plans. If approved, these designated feeding areas could become operational in the next few months.

The court’s final decision will determine whether the civic body can move forward with the initiative. Meanwhile, community leaders have expressed optimism that the BMC’s proactive approach could help resolve the long-standing conflict between tradition and urban management.

As Mumbai continues to evolve into a global metropolis, the city’s administration faces the ongoing challenge of preserving cultural practices while maintaining public safety and cleanliness. The decision on these four pigeon feeding zones could mark a significant step in that direction—setting an example for how compassion and civic discipline can coexist.

Image Courtesy:

02 Jan 2026

BMC Elections

Mumbai Kabootarkhaana : BMC shortlists four designated spots for safe pigeon feeding across Mumbai

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