Mumbai: BMC to Impose Rs 500 Fine for Feeding Animals and Birds in Public Places

Mumbai, April 3, 2025: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a new regulation imposing a fine of up to Rs 500 on individuals feeding animals and birds in public spaces if it causes inconvenience to others. The rule, part of the revised Solid Waste Management Health and Sanitation By-laws of 2006, aims to address issues caused by unauthorized feeding practices across the city.

The updated by-laws, released on 1st April, include provisions for stricter enforcement against the public feeding of pigeons, dogs, cats, and cows. While such rules existed earlier, their implementation was lax. The BMC now plans to increase the number of nuisance detectors to ensure effective enforcement. Vacant posts in this department are set to be filled soon.

The move comes amid growing demands to shut down unauthorized “kabutarkhanas” (pigeon-feeding zones) in Mumbai, including the famous Dadar Kabutarkhana. Citizens have raised concerns over health risks, such as respiratory illnesses caused by pigeon droppings and feathers.

Environmental activists, including the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s (MNS) Environment Wing, have intensified their campaign against such practices. MNS Environment Wing President Jay Shringarpure highlighted that unauthorized kabutarkhanas are proliferating across the city, particularly along seashores, where grain sellers openly feed pigeons, contributing to their unchecked population growth.

Shringarpure further noted that pigeon nests in residential buildings create unsanitary conditions and spread respiratory diseases. He cited a recent success in shutting down an unauthorized kabutarkhana near Hinduja Hospital after sustained efforts by activists. Despite BMC signage prohibiting feeding pigeons at the site, vendors continued selling grain until action was taken.