Maharashtra Government Orders Immediate Shutdown of Kabootar Khanas in Mumbai Over Health Risks

Mumbai, 5th July 2025: The Maharashtra government has directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to immediately shut down all kabootar khanas designated pigeon feeding spots across Mumbai, citing serious health hazards posed by bird droppings and feathers.

The decision was announced on Friday after Shiv Sena leader and MLC Manisha Kayande raised the issue in the Maharashtra Legislative Council. She emphasized the growing health risk to residents, especially those living near these feeding areas, pointing out that accumulated bird waste is a known cause of respiratory problems.

Supporting the concern, BJP leader Chitra Wagh shared a personal account during the session, revealing that her aunt died from a respiratory illness caused by constant exposure to pigeon droppings.

In response, Minister Uday Samant, speaking on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, said that Mumbai currently has 51 operational kabootar khanas. He assured the council that the BMC would launch a public awareness campaign within a month, followed by immediate closure of all such feeding spots.

“There’s a misconception that feeding pigeons is spiritual or harmless,” Samant said. “But it’s actually contributing to serious health issues. In places like Girgaum Chowpatty, pigeons are now feeding on leftover fast food like pizzas and burgers which is harmful for them too.”

The move also sheds light on poor compliance with previous bans, as seen in the case of Dadar Kabootar Khana, which resumed operations despite a shutdown order due to continued public feeding.

Authorities are urging citizens to cooperate with the ban, stressing that discontinuing pigeon feeding in public spaces is vital for long-term public health and hygiene.

For updates, follow BMC advisories or visit official civic portals.