The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday demolished a kabutar khana in Kalachowki as part of its ongoing drive to remove unauthorised pigeon-feeding structures across the city. The demolition, carried out under police protection, has sparked tensions between civic authorities, religious groups, and environmental advocates over the management of bird-feeding spaces in dense urban zones.
The structure, located near Ambewadi in Kalachowki, was a long-standing feeding point for pigeons and a place of significance for members of the Jain community. According to civic officials, the move follows growing concerns about health hazards associated with uncontrolled pigeon populations and the maintenance of hygiene in public spaces. The demolition was conducted using excavators around 11 a.m. to avoid crowd gatherings. Community members, however, have criticised the decision as hasty and insensitive. Representatives of the Jain community, who consider feeding pigeons a compassionate religious practice, said the action came before an earlier assurance from the state government that discussions would be held within 15 days to find a balanced resolution. The demolition, they argue, violates this understanding and disregards cultural sentiments.
An environmental activist involved in the ongoing legal proceedings related to pigeon-feeding sites said the civic action was premature and contrary to court directions. “The High Court had only instructed authorities to regulate pigeon feeding, not demolish the structures entirely,” the activist stated, adding that the matter remains sub judice and will likely return to court. Municipal officials defended the demolition, arguing that the city’s pigeon-feeding sites have increasingly become health risks, especially for residents living nearby. Studies by civic health departments have previously linked overfeeding to rising cases of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a respiratory illness caused by prolonged exposure to bird droppings. The BMC has already removed six such structures in areas including Marine Drive, Girgaon Chowpatty, and Borivali as part of its citywide effort.
Urban planners and environmentalists have called for a more balanced approach — one that preserves faith-based traditions while protecting public health. Experts suggest designated, hygienic feeding zones with controlled food supply and regular cleaning could offer a sustainable alternative to the current practice. As Mumbai continues to grapple with the competing priorities of faith, environment, and urban hygiene, the Kalachowki demolition underscores a broader debate on how cities can reconcile cultural heritage with public health imperatives.
BMC Demolishes Kalachowki Kabutar Khana Under Drive To Remove Pigeon Feeding Spots
