Maharashtra Government Orders Immediate Closure of All ‘Kabootar Khanas’ in Mumbai Over Health Concerns

Mumbai: In a significant move aimed at tackling public health risks, the Maharashtra government has directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to shut down all pigeon feeding zones, commonly known as kabootar khanas, across Mumbai with immediate effect.

The decision follows growing concerns over the respiratory hazards caused by prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers, which are known to contribute to conditions such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other pulmonary diseases. The issue was raised in the Maharashtra Legislative Council by Shiv Sena MLC Manisha Kayande, who drew attention to the serious health risks, particularly for residents living near these feeding spots.

Joining the discussion, BJP leader Chitra Wagh shared a personal account, stating that a family member had passed away due to a respiratory illness linked to pigeon exposure. The incident added emotional weight to the growing calls for regulation and accountability.

In response, Industries Minister Uday Samant, speaking on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, revealed that 51 kabootar khanas are still functional in Mumbai. He stated that the BMC would launch a public awareness campaign within the next month, followed by concrete action to remove all such feeding points from public areas.

The government also acknowledged that previous efforts to close certain kabootar khanas had failed due to non-compliance from citizens. One such example was the iconic feeding zone in Dadar, which resumed activity despite official orders for its closure.

Some unauthorized feeding spots in Santacruz East and Daulat Nagar have already been dismantled and transformed into traffic islands and Miyawaki gardens, marking a shift in how public spaces are being reimagined for health and ecological balance.