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2d ago

Bombay High Court Pauses BMC’s Demolition of Heritage Kabutarkhanas as Pigeon-Feeding Fines Rise

The government is preparing dedicated pigeon parks on the outskirts to balance public health concerns with humane bird management.

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Mumbai, India - July 14, 2025: Vilas Pawar, BMC official stationed at Kabutarkhana near GPO keeps a watchful eye, to impose fines on those feeding pigeons, as dozens of birds flock to the area in Mumbai, India, on Monday, July 14, 2025. (Photo by Anshuman Poyrekar/ Hindustan Times) (Hindustan Times)
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Overview

  • The Bombay High Court granted interim relief on July 15, restraining the BMC from razing heritage pigeon-feeding spots until its next hearing and ordering a medical affidavit from the dean of KEM Hospital.
  • Since July 3, the BMC has penalised 107 individuals under Solid Waste Management by-laws, raising ₹55,700 through ₹500 fines at 49 locations for feeding pigeons in public.
  • Enforcement teams have dismantled illegal sheds and confiscated dozens of food-grain packets at sites such as Dadar’s kabutarkhana to curb sanitation hazards.
  • The civic body has launched citywide awareness drives on respiratory and infrastructure risks from pigeon waste and warned that repeat feeders may face police complaints.
  • Industries Minister Uday Samant has directed the BMC to identify suitable sites for suburban pigeon parks to offer a humane alternative for displaced bird populations.