The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has collected ₹68,700 in fines from 142 individuals caught feeding pigeons across the city, with the Dadar Kabootarkhana accounting for the largest share—₹22,200, or 32 percent of the total. The civic action follows the High Court’s order directing BMC to file FIRs against those violating the ban on public pigeon feeding, citing serious health risks associated with bird droppings and overcrowded feeding spots.
The court has labelled such activities as a “public nuisance” and an “endangerment to human life,” asking the civic body and Mumbai Police to enforce the law strictly. At Dadar Kabootarkhana—a Grade-II heritage structure that has long served as a community pigeon-feeding hub—BMC officials have placed plastic sheets over the enclosure and deployed civic staff to restrict access. Despite these efforts, many residents, particularly from the Jain community, continue to gather near the sealed area, expressing their commitment to feed pigeons as part of their religious and ethical beliefs.
In the absence of feeding spaces, hundreds of pigeons have now migrated to nearby lanes, particularly the stretch between Dadar Station and Kabootarkhana junction, raising safety concerns for both pedestrians and motorists. While the BMC has been issuing ₹500 fines to individuals caught feeding pigeons, many have continued defying the orders. In Dadar alone, 51 people were penalised. Other wards such as H-West (Bandra Talao) collected ₹7,500 from 15 cases, and T Ward issued 13 fines totalling ₹6,500. Several other civic wards including P East (Malad East), P South (Goregaon West), and A Ward (CSMT GPO) also contributed to the overall fine amount.
Health officials have reiterated that pigeon droppings can cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis, also known as “pigeon lung,” a condition that poses a risk particularly to the elderly, children, and those with existing respiratory ailments. KEM Hospital and other city institutions have been tasked by the court to submit supporting medical data on pigeon-related illnesses before the next compliance hearing. Meanwhile, social and religious groups continue to protest the enforcement, arguing that it infringes on constitutional provisions that promote compassion towards animals. Peaceful demonstrations and symbolic hunger strikes are being planned if the restrictions are not reconsidered.
As the debate escalates, city authorities say they are working to strike a balance between public health and religious sentiment, with alternative pigeon-feeding zones under review.
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