The Maharashtra government has directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to immediately shut down 'kabootar khanas'—designated spots for feeding pigeons in Mumbai—citing serious health hazards posed by pigeon droppings.
The issue was raised in the Maharashtra Legislative Council by Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande, who highlighted the risk of respiratory diseases caused by pigeon feathers and waste. BJP leader Chitra Wagh supported the call, stating that she lost her aunt to an illness allegedly caused by exposure to pigeon droppings.
In response, Minister Uday Samant, speaking on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, confirmed that there are 51 kabootar khanas in the city. He announced:
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An awareness drive will be launched within a month to educate people about the dangers of feeding pigeons.
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The BMC has been directed to begin the process of shutting them down immediately.
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Samant also noted unusual feeding patterns among pigeons, saying they’ve been spotted eating pizza and burgers at Girgaum Chowpatty.
He pointed out that although the famous Dadar kabootar khana was shut for two days, it resumed operations as people continued to feed pigeons.
Deputy CM Shinde, in a written reply, confirmed that unauthorised kabootar khanas in Santacruz East, Daulat Nagar, and Santacruz West had already been closed. These areas have since been converted into traffic islands and Miyawaki gardens by the BMC.
The move underscores growing concern among health experts and civic authorities about the spread of airborne fungal infections, particularly histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis, which are associated with prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings in urban areas.
