BMC Approves Controlled Pigeon-Feeding at Four Designated Mumbai Spots, Limits Activity to Two Hours Daily
BMC Approves Controlled Pigeon-Feeding at Four Designated Mumbai Spots, Limits Activity to Two Hours Daily
In a bid to strike a balance between tradition and public health, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has introduced a regulated pigeon-feeding initiative at four designated locations across Mumbai. Under this new arrangement, citizens will be permitted to feed pigeons only between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. daily, until the Bombay High Court’s expert committee finalises its report and further directions are issued.
Four Designated Feeding Zones
As per the latest BMC circular, the approved sites include:
- The open space near Worli Reservoir in G South ward.
- A mangrove patch near Lokhandwala Back Road, close to the Versova Sewage Treatment Plant in Andheri West (K West ward).
- The creek-side zone near the old Airoli–Mulund check-post on the Airoli–Mulund Link Road in Mulund East (T ward).
- The grounds of Gorai Maidan in Borivali West (R Central ward).
These sites have been identified for their low human activity levels, ensuring the feeding does not disrupt daily life or pose health risks in residential areas.
Strict Guidelines and Supervision
Feeding will be restricted to a two-hour morning window under strict supervision. Registered voluntary organisations will manage each site after obtaining permission from the civic body. Their responsibilities include:
- Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene at the site.
- Ensuring there is no obstruction to pedestrians or traffic.
- Addressing any complaints from local residents regarding sanitation or nuisance.
- Signing an undertaking to adhere to all BMC terms and conditions.
Each feeding location will be monitored by the Assistant Municipal Commissioner of the respective ward, who will serve as the nodal officer. Additionally, signboards will be displayed to educate citizens about the health hazards of pigeon droppings and airborne allergens.
Legacy Kabutarkhanas to Remain Closed
BMC has clarified that the traditional pigeon-feeding enclosures, or kabutarkhanas, which were sealed on the orders of the Bombay High Court, will remain shut. Iconic sites such as the Dadar Kabutarkhana will continue to stay covered and inaccessible to the public.
Public Feedback and Mixed Reactions
According to officials, the civic administration received 9,779 responses from citizens across Mumbai regarding pigeon-feeding practices. Opinions varied—from appeals to shut down feeding zones to requests for their continuation in some form—along with several complaints about hygiene and public health issues.
Balancing Faith and Public Health
The move is viewed as an attempt to balance cultural and religious sentiments with urban hygiene and health priorities. While supporters see it as a practical compromise, environmental groups remain skeptical. One activist commented, “Feeding pigeons is a faith-based act, but it should ideally happen in private or designated spaces. This step seems politically influenced to appease certain sections.”
The High Court-appointed expert committee continues to assess the environmental and health impacts of pigeon feeding, focusing on air quality and population control. Its report will determine whether this controlled-feeding plan becomes a permanent policy or undergoes revision. Meanwhile, BMC will monitor the four pilot sites closely to evaluate the effectiveness of this regulated system.
