Mumbai Citizens Protest Pigeon-Feeding Ban, Highlighting Animal Welfare vs. Public Health
Mumbai: A significant conflict between animal welfare and public health has escalated, with over 1,000 protesters marching against the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s pigeon-feeding ban and the sealing of traditional 'kabutarkhanas'.
MumbaiPigeonfeeding BanKabutarkhanaPublic HealthAnimal WelfareReal Estate MumbaiAug 04, 2025
Protesters Demand Reversal of the Feeding Ban
Jain muni Nareshchandra Ji Maharaj announced he will begin a hunger strike on August 10 if the ban is not lifted, calling the curb 'cruel' and inhumane. Activists Sneha Visaria and Mitesh Jain accused the ban of violating Article 51A(g) of the Constitution, which enshrines compassion toward all living beings. They also cited RTI data from Nair and Sion hospitals showing minimal health risks from pigeon interactions.
Court Orders Crackdown Amid Health Concerns
Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court has taken a firm stand, declaring that the feeding of pigeons in public areas constitutes a public nuisance and a serious health hazard. The bench has authorized the BMC to register FIRs under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against individuals involved in feeding congregations. The court emphasized that such acts endanger residents’ health and could lead to respiratory illnesses.
Earlier interim rulings had restrained the BMC from demolishing heritage kabutarkhanas—recognized for their cultural value—but reaffirmed that feeding pigeons remains impermissible until further hearings.
Health Evidence Sought, Crackdown Underway
The High Court has ordered that expert medical opinions be submitted—including an affidavit from Amita U. Athavale, head of Pulmonary Medicine at KEM Hospital, and inputs from Sujeet Rajan—detailing how exposures to pigeon droppings and feathers can cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis, asthma, and irreversible lung fibrosis. Authorities are responding accordingly. The BMC recently began covering Dadar Kabutarkhana with bamboo structures and installing CCTV to prevent public feeding, following directives from the High Court. Initial efforts were temporarily halted to allow relocation of sick pigeons at local request, but enforcement resumed soon afterward.
Human Rights Commission Steps In
Adding to the pressure, the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of the escalating pigeon-related public health concerns, issuing notices to both the Health Department and BMC to submit detailed reports within eight weeks. The panel noted that the unrestricted pigeon population and feeding activity potentially violate citizens’ right to life under constitutional law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main reason for the protest against the pigeon-feeding ban in Mumbai?
The main reason for the protest is the concern over the welfare of pigeons, with activists claiming that the ban has caused mass starvation and death among the city’s pigeon population.
What action has the Bombay High Court taken regarding the pigeon-feeding ban?
The Bombay High Court has declared that feeding pigeons in public areas constitutes a public nuisance and a serious health hazard, authorizing the BMC to register FIRs against individuals involved in feeding congregations.
What constitutional provision do activists cite to oppose the pigeon-feeding ban?
Activists cite Article 51A(g) of the Constitution, which enshrines compassion toward all living beings, to oppose the pigeon-feeding ban.
What health risks are associated with pigeon droppings and feathers, according to medical experts?
Medical experts have detailed that exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers can cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis, asthma, and irreversible lung fibrosis.
What role is the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission playing in this conflict?
The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of the pigeon-related public health concerns and has issued notices to the Health Department and BMC to submit detailed reports within eight weeks.
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