Mumbai :- A silent protest organized by animal welfare activists at the Daulat Nagar Kabutar Khana in Santacruz was called off on Sunday morning due to “law and order” concerns, despite prior police permission. The protest, spearheaded by the Pure Animal Lovers (PAL) Welfare Foundation, aimed to oppose the Maharashtra Government’s directive to shut down all 51 kabutar khanas (pigeon feeding spots) in Mumbai over public health concerns.
Activists and bird lovers from across the city had planned to gather and feed pigeons in a symbolic gesture of resistance against the crackdown by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). However, organizers were informed early Sunday that the protest would have to be postponed, and a new date would be announced later.
The state’s decision comes amid growing awareness of health hazards caused by pigeon droppings and feathers, linked to respiratory illnesses like psittacosis and pneumonitis. On July 4, the BMC demolished illegal storage and seized large quantities of grain from the city’s largest kabutar khana in Dadar.
The civic body has since intensified its actions, including penalizing feeders and launching awareness campaigns about the dangers of pigeon feeding. While activists remain firm in their stance, many local resident associations back the government’s move, citing health and hygiene issues.
Pervez Cooper, Vice President of the Clean Heritage Colaba Residents Association, stressed the urgent need to ban kabutar khanas altogether, while Rajendra Ranshinge from the Lokhandwala Joggers Park Association advocated for citizen awareness over penalties.
Medical experts and NGOs echoed similar sentiments. “Pigeon droppings harbor dangerous pathogens like salmonella and E. coli,” said Usha Subramanian, a concerned citizen. Chetan Kamble, founder of Chakachak Dadar, emphasized the need to replace outdated practices with sustainable urban planning solutions, such as converting these spots into managed biodiversity zones or public fountains.
The future of pigeon feeding in Mumbai remains a point of contention, with citizen health, compassion for animals, and urban infrastructure all clashing in a complex civic debate.
