Mumbai, October 30 — The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is considering four alternative locations — near Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), Aarey Milk Colony, a mangrove patch in Wadala, and Gorai — for pigeon feeding, nearly three months after banning the practice in public areas across Mumbai.
The proposed zones were chosen for being away from densely populated residential areas to reduce potential health risks linked to pigeon droppings, including respiratory and fungal infections.
The move follows a meeting between representatives of the Jain community and BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, who confirmed that the civic body is reviewing the four sites as potential feeding zones. “These areas have been identified as they don’t have nearby residential buildings, ensuring public health remains safeguarded,” Gagrani told The Indian Express.
The civic body had earlier enforced the Bombay High Court’s July 30 directive ordering strict action against unauthorized pigeon feeding in public spaces like Dadar West. Consequently, traditional Kabutarkhanas across Mumbai were temporarily shut down.
However, environmentalists have voiced strong opposition to the proposal, warning that allowing pigeon feeding in eco-sensitive zones such as Aarey and SGNP could disturb local biodiversity. “Pigeons can displace native species like sparrows and mynahs,” cautioned environmentalist Stalin D, Director of Vanashakti.
Meanwhile, sections of the Jain community remain unhappy with the ongoing restrictions. Jain monk Nilesh Chandra Vijay of Colaba has announced an indefinite hunger strike from November 3 at Azad Maidan, asserting that the delegation which met the BMC did not represent his group.
Feeding pigeons has been a centuries-old cultural and religious tradition in Mumbai, with historic Kabutarkhanas such as the one in Dadar—built in 1933—serving as iconic landmarks. The BMC’s final decision on the designated feeding zones is expected in the coming days.
