BMC seeks public views on pigeon feeding at kabutarkhana

In line with the court’s order, the BMC has now opened a window for citizens to share their views between August 18 and 29. Feedback is being sought on whether feeding should be restricted to fixed hours, carried out only in a regulated manner, and on broader concerns about the management of pigeon shelters

Published on: Aug 18, 2025, 05:48:19 IST

By Linah Baliga

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MUMBAI: Following a Bombay High Court directive, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has begun inviting suggestions and objections from citizens on whether pigeon feeding at designated kabutarkhana should be regulated.

Mumbai, India. Aug 06, 2025: On Wednesday morning, over a hundred members of the Jain community protested at Dadar. They forcefully opened the Dadar Kabutarkhana, removed the plastic sheet, and offered grains to the pigeons. Mumbai, India. Aug 06, 2025. (Photo by Raju Shinde/HT Photo) (Raju Shinde)

The move comes after the court, on August 13, ordered the formation of a committee and mandated public consultation on the issue. So far, the civic body has received three formal applications—one from the Dadar Kabutarkhana Trust Board, another from Yasmin Bhansali and Company, and a third from animal and bird rights activist Pallavi Patil.

While the applications will be made public on Monday through the BMC’s official website, it is learnt that all three parties have offered to take responsibility for feeding pigeons at shelters and to supply pigeon feed.

In line with the court’s order, the BMC has now opened a window for citizens to share their views between August 18 and 29. Feedback is being sought on whether feeding should be restricted to fixed hours, carried out only in a regulated manner, and on broader concerns about the management of pigeon shelters.

Residents can send their responses by email to suggestions@mcgm.gov.in or submit written feedback in person at the designated BMC office during working hours.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Leena Raghunath Baliga
Leena Raghunath Baliga (byline: Linah Baliga) is Associate Editor with nearly two decades of experience in journalism,and has earlier worked with TOI, DNA and Mumbai Mirror specialising in civic affairs, urban governance and political reporting. Based in Mumbai, she has looked into the functioning of civic administration, public policy and governance, with a particular focus on the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), urban infrastructure, housing, redevelopment and city planning. Over the years, she has consistently reported on issues that directly impact citizens, including municipal administration, public health, BEST, environmental concerns, major infrastructure projects and state government policies affecting urban development. Her reporting combines on-ground reporting, making complex civic and governance issues accessible to readers while ensuring accountability in civic administration. She has extensively covered political developments that shape urban policy. Her work has also focused on redevelopment policies, affordable housing and the implementation of major infrastructure projects across Mumbai.She continues to chronicle the evolving and changing landscape of Asia's richest municipal corporation. When she isn't chasing stories or poring over civic documents, she enjoys dabbling in art and unwinding with music. An avid rock 'n' roll enthusiast, she has an anachronistic taste in music, with a playlist that happily skips across decades, filled with timeless classics.Read More

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