BMC Plans New Pigeon Feeding Zones in SGNP and Aarey; Away From Public Areas

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is studying four possible locations for pigeon feeding after it was banned in Mumbai. The proposed sites are near Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), Aarey Milk Colony, a mangrove patch in Wadala, and Gorai. 

All these places are away from crowded neighbourhoods. The decision was announced after a meeting between administrator and municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and a group of Jain community members on Tuesday, October 28.

The Jain delegation asked the administration to provide designated areas for feeding pigeons. Gagrani said these sites are far from residential buildings and would reduce health risks. He also said that all public feeding locations will stay closed for now, as directed by the Bombay High Court.

As per reports, environmental groups have raised objections to the proposal. They said SGNP and Aarey are ecologically sensitive. They fear that more pigeons in these areas could push out native birds like sparrows and mynahs, causing ecological imbalance. Concerns have also been raised about the spread of diseases by pigeon droppings. 

The BMC earlier blocked kabutarkhanas after the High Court asked the civic body to stop “illegal” feeding in places like Dadar West. The instructions were issued on July 30. This faced resistance from the Jain community, as feeding pigeons is an important practice in Jain culture. It reflects the principle of jeev daya, which means compassion for all living beings. 

Kabutarkhanas have existed in Mumbai since the colonial era. They are open spaces near busy junctions where people feed pigeons for religious reasons. There are more than 50 kabutarkhanas in the city today. The Dadar Kabutarkhana, built in 1933 and managed by a local trust, is one of the oldest and most active sites.

After protests, the administration also asked the public to share their views on the matter. At the same time, fines were introduced for feeding pigeons in public areas. On September 29, 2025, 25 administrative wards submitted a list of 13 remote sites that could be used for pigeon feeding.