Maharashtra Cracks Down On Pigeon Feeding Spots Over Public Health Concerns

The Maharashtra government has ordered the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to take strict action against unauthorised kabootar khanas (pigeon feeding spots) in Mumbai, citing serious health risks and encroachment of public spaces, the Hindustan Times reported.

The issue was raised in the legislative council by Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Manisha Kayande, who said that illegal kabootar khanas have mushroomed across the city, occupying footpaths and causing respiratory ailments.

Citing medical research, Kayande highlighted that pigeon droppings and feathers are hazardous to health.

“The Indian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology has documented how pigeon excreta can infiltrate the respiratory system and cause chronic ailments,” she was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times. 

She also questioned why assistant municipal commissioner Vinayak Vispute had not acted against the Dadar khana, despite cracking down on similar violations in Bandra.

Urban development minister Uday Samant responded that the BMC recognises 51 kabootar khanas across Mumbai.

“We’ve asked the civic body to initiate action and launch an awareness campaign. In one case, BMC officials even found pigeons being fed pizza and burgers,” he said. 

He added that the Dadar khana had earlier been removed for two years after protests, but resumed operations under a private trust.

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