BMC invites suggestions and objections from citizens on pigeon-feeding issue

On July 30, the HC had directed the BMC to curb “illegal” and “defiant” feeding of pigeons in public areas such as Dadar West, citing health hazards like fungal infections and respiratory issues.

The civic authorities have maintained that citizens can either write to suggestions@mcgm.gov.in or to the executive health officer’s office in Parel, providing suggestions and objections to controlled feeding of pigeons. Officials said that the suggestions will be evaluated and selected ones will be submitted to the court-empanelled committee.

“Since pigeon feeding is considered as a religious sentiment, we have sought inputs from citizens as well. The BMC is trying to reach a middle ground where health and well-being of citizens are protected and religious sentiments are also not hurt. This move is being taken up on the basis of HC order and the final recommendation is to be made by the expert committee,” said an official.

“In the meantime, the Kabutarkhanas that we have shut down continue to remain closed and public feeding of pigeons is still not allowed since the court has put a ban,” the official added.

The civic authorities have maintained that so far the Dadar Kabutarkhana Trust alongside a few other animal and bird welfare societies have written to them providing suggestions for allowing controlled feeding of pigeons.

In many religious communities, feeding of pigeons is considered to be a pious act for which Kabutarkhanas were set up in several parts of Mumbai. Kabutarkhanas are open public spaces where feeding of pigeons is a regular practice, particularly at major junctions in Mumbai. The Dadar Kabutarkhana, built in 1933, is managed by a local trust and has been a focal point for bird lovers and religious communities alike.

The HC had also asked BMC to install CCTV cameras to monitor “mischievous” feeders, depute beat marshals or civic officers at feeding sites, and use nets to prevent pigeons from congregating. The HC decision led to public ire with members of the Jain community breaking the scaffolding of the Kabutarkhana at Dadar. Following the incident on August 7, the court reiterated its previous order stating that since the BMC had not revoked or diluted its decision, the ban on feeding in public spaces “very much stands”.

The court, however, allowed the petitioners to apply to the BMC if they intended to feed pigeons, and said the civic body should consider the “larger issue of public health” before making its decision.