500+ Activists to Stage Mass Pigeon-Feeding Protest Against BMC Crackdown at Daulat Nagar Kabutar Khana

Mumbai: In a strong show of resistance, over 500 animal welfare activists and pigeon lovers are expected to gather at the Daulat Nagar Kabutar Khana in Santacruz (W) this Sunday to feed pigeons as part of a peaceful protest against the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) ongoing crackdown on pigeon feeding.
The protest, organized by the Pure Animal Lovers (PAL) Foundation, comes in response to BMC’s recent actions that include removing encroachments and demolishing parts of kabutar khanas, starting with Dadar, and imposing fines on those feeding pigeons. This crackdown follows a directive from the Maharashtra state government to shut down pigeon feeding points across the city.
Activists argue that the civic body’s actions lack scientific backing and are endangering the lives of innocent birds. “The imposition of fines is unlawful, and the crackdown is being carried out without any scientific rationale,” said Roshan Pathak, animal rights advisor at PAL Foundation. “Feeding birds is a constitutional right, and we will continue to exercise it.”
The protest, scheduled from 3 PM to 5 PM, is expected to see large participation from members of the Jain community as well. PAL Foundation has called the event a “silent march” aimed at drawing attention to the plight of pigeons being deprived of food due to the civic body’s enforcement drive.