Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Jul 4: In a significant move aimed at addressing public health concerns, the Maharashtra government has directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to immediately begin the closure of all ‘kabootar khanas’ (pigeon feeding areas) across Mumbai. The decision comes in light of mounting evidence linking pigeon droppings and feathers to serious respiratory ailments.
The issue was prominently raised in the Maharashtra Legislative Council on Thursday, July 3, by Shiv Sena leader and nominated MLC Manisha Kayande, who expressed concern over the health hazards these locations pose to nearby residents. Echoing her sentiment, BJP leader and fellow Council member Chitra Wagh recounted a personal loss, stating that her aunt succumbed to respiratory illness allegedly caused by exposure to pigeon droppings.
Urban Development Minister Uday Samant, speaking on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, informed the House that there are currently 51 such feeding zones operating within Mumbai city. He assured that the civic body would be instructed to not only launch an awareness campaign but also commence immediate shutdown procedures.
“Within a month, the BMC will initiate an awareness drive to educate citizens on the health hazards associated with feeding pigeons. The process to shut down all kabootar khanas will begin without delay,” Samant stated.
He further pointed out a bizarre observation by the civic officials — that some pigeons at Mumbai’s Girgaum Chowpatty have developed a taste for fast food like pizza and burgers, highlighting how human intervention has distorted the birds' natural feeding habits.
While the iconic Dadar kabootar khana was temporarily closed for two days, it was soon reinstated by public insistence, underlining the cultural sentiment attached to such spots.
In a written reply, Deputy CM Shinde confirmed that unauthorised kabootar khanas in Santacruz East, Daulat Nagar, and Santacruz West have already been shut down. In their place, the BMC has developed Miyawaki-style gardens and traffic islands, ensuring that the vacated spaces serve an ecological purpose.
The government’s latest move is expected to draw mixed reactions, balancing between cultural practices and public health safety. However, officials assert that the priority must remain on the well-being of citizens, especially in a densely populated metropolis like Mumbai.