The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) drive against public pigeon feeding has slowed in recent months. The debate came back last week after Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Mahesh Sawant called for the demolition of the Dadar Kabutarkhana, citing health concerns.
The civic body launched its anti-pigeon feeding campaign last year following directions from the Bombay High Court. The court had acknowledged the health risks linked to large-scale pigeon feeding across the city. It noted that pigeon feathers and droppings could lead to respiratory illnesses and other lung-related health problems among residents.
Following the court’s observations, the civic body prohibited feeding pigeons in public spaces and around kabutarkhanas. Despite the ban, enforcement has reduced considerably this year.
BMC data shows that only 19 cases of action against people feeding pigeons in public places were recorded till April 2026. Of these, 13 cases were reported in January, one in February, two in March and three in April.
The figures are much lower than those recorded after the High Court order came into effect last year. More than 300 people were penalised by the civic body in 2025. Over 200 of those cases were recorded in July and August alone, immediately after the crackdown began.
Revenue collected through fines has also fallen. According to civic records, the BMC has recovered INR 11,500 through penalties so far this year. In comparison, the civic body collected INR 68,700 from 141 violators during July and August last year. Under BMC rules, feeding pigeons in public places attracts a penalty ranging from INR 500 to INR 1,000.
According to sources, monitoring pigeon feeding activities at the local level is difficult. Feeding often takes place on roads and in bylanes. Pigeon feeding has a long history in Mumbai. It is commonly associated with kabutarkhanas, which are public pigeon-feeding areas often located on traffic islands.
Many religious communities consider feeding pigeons a sacred practice. Kabutarkhanas have existed in different parts of Mumbai since the colonial era. These structures usually consist of a fenced area with a water fountain or water dispenser in the centre. People typically throw grains from outside the enclosure while pigeons gather inside. Apart from kabutarkhanas, pigeons are also fed in public parks and along roadsides across the city.
Following the court order, the BMC shut down existing kabutarkhanas. The sites are currently covered with tarpaulin sheets and remain unused. In October last year, the civic body identified four alternative locations where pigeon feeding could take place. These sites are located at Aarey Colony, Gorai, Versova and Wadala. However, these designated feeding zones have not attracted many visitors.
The Bombay High Court had also directed the BMC to take additional measures to prevent pigeon congregation. These included installing nets, deploying beat marshals or civic staff at feeding locations, and setting up CCTV cameras to monitor people who continue feeding pigeons despite restrictions.
However, civic officials confirmed that beat marshals have not yet been appointed. The BMC had also proposed appointing non-governmental organisations to manage and supervise the designated feeding zones. This is yet to be done.