5 July, 2025-In a significant move aimed at addressing public health and hygiene concerns, the Maharashtra government has directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to initiate the closure of all ‘kabootar khanas’ (pigeon feeding centres) across the city. The decision comes amid growing evidence linking these sites to rising cases of respiratory and zoonotic diseases, prompting swift governmental action to safeguard public well-being.
The directive, issued earlier this week, instructs civic authorities to begin a phased but complete shutdown of pigeon-feeding zones, many of which are located in high-density residential and commercial areas. Health department officials have highlighted the increasing risk posed by pigeon droppings, which are known to carry fungal spores and bacteria that can lead to serious infections such as histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis, especially among the elderly, children, and those with weakened immune systems.
Environmental and medical experts have long cautioned against the practice of mass pigeon feeding in urban areas. The high concentration of pigeons in confined zones often results in unsanitary conditions, with droppings accumulating on roads, rooftops, and public infrastructure. These not only pose health hazards but also cause structural damage to buildings and monuments due to their acidic nature.
An official from the state’s health department noted, “The presence of kabootar khanas has become a silent health threat. Regular exposure to airborne particles from droppings can trigger severe allergic reactions and respiratory distress. The government is acting in the interest of public health.”
The move has received mixed reactions from the public. While many citizens and medical professionals have lauded the decision as a long-overdue measure to improve urban hygiene, some community groups and animal lovers have expressed concern over the welfare of pigeons that have become dependent on these feeding points.
To address these concerns, the BMC is expected to collaborate with animal welfare organizations to devise humane strategies for relocation and regulated feeding in non-urban environments. Plans are also being considered to create awareness campaigns highlighting the ecological imbalance caused by overfeeding of pigeons and to promote responsible bird-feeding practices.
In recent years, cities across India have grappled with similar health challenges linked to pigeon overpopulation. The Maharashtra government’s decisive action sets a precedent that other municipal bodies may soon follow, as public health takes precedence over traditional feeding practices.
The BMC has already begun surveying all existing kabootar khanas and will issue individual closure notices over the coming weeks. Enforcement teams will also monitor compliance and ensure that feeding does not continue informally in prohibited zones.
As urban centres evolve and face growing health and environmental challenges, the decision to shut down pigeon-feeding hubs marks a shift in urban policy—one that prioritizes scientific evidence and public health over cultural habit.
The closure drive is expected to be completed in a phased manner by the end of the year, with regular updates from the civic body on progress and implementation measures.
