Pigeon feeding causes health risks and traffic nuisance, complain residents in Mumbai; welcome Maharashtra government decision to shut kabutarkhanas
According to RTI activist Anil Galgali, kabutarkhanas may have served a purpose when Mumbai was less populated, but they have now become a traffic and hygiene nuisance. "With the city's massive population growth, these kabutarkhanas only add to street congestion as large crowds gather to feed pigeons," Galgali said.
In Khar, where residents have fought a prolonged battle to curb this issue, Anandini Thakoor, managing trustee of the Khar Residents Association, said they were forced to hire a security guard to deter people from feeding pigeons near the railway station.
"We tried reasoning with grain merchants, but it didn't work. One of our trustees stepped in to fund a guard, who, with police support, helped restrict pigeon feeding.
Residents have even slipped on pigeon droppings," she said, recounting how the kabutarkhana demolition finally happened in Sept 2022, prompted by repeated complaints of pigeon droppings.
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In Andheri Lokhandwala, the problem has persisted for years.
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Rakesh Coelho, a local, said pigeon feathers and droppings are proven health hazards. "Authorities should have intervened much earlier. Pigeon feeding isn't just limited to one spot — birds spread across the area, affecting entire localities," he said. Some of them get hit by cars, also said a resident.
Deepak Devrukhkar of the Dadar Vyapari Sangh suggested a more balanced approach. "Relocating kabutarkhanas to less populated areas could be a solution.
In Dadar, for instance, the kabutarkhana sits in one of the most congested zones. Its removal will greatly improve traffic flow," he said.
BMC has never banned feeding of pigeons, but civic rules stipulate a Rs 500 penalty for feeding animals/birds in non-designated areas.
In Oct 2019, several joggers slipped on Worli Seaface promenade due to pigeon feed and droppings. In response, BMC briefly deployed clean-up marshals at the site between 6am and 6pm daily to maintain hygiene and deter pigeon feeding.
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