As modern health worries run up against centuries-old traditions, Mumbai's recent court-backed ban on feeding pigeons in public spaces has ignited protests, police clashes, and calls for compromise.
The ban, enforced by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) due to health risks from pigeon droppings, has provoked strong opposition from bird lovers and the Jain community, who view feeding pigeons as a sacred duty.
Authorities highlight a surge in pigeon populations and associated respiratory illnesses, while protesters argue the ban threatens cultural heritage and animal welfare. The Bombay High Court has upheld the ban but established an expert panel to explore alternatives. These alternatives include regulated feeding hours, designated kabutarkhana zones, or relocation of pigeons to aviaries. Similar restrictions in other cities globally and within India reflect a broader tension between urban health and tradition.
Hundreds of protesters, primarily from Mumbai's Jain community, clashed with police twice in August 2025 while opposing the closure of decades-old pigeon feeding spots, known as kabutarkhanas. On August 3, a rally from Colaba Jain Temple to the Gateway of India saw participants tear down tarpaulin sheets covering these sites and threaten indefinite hunger strikes. Police briefly detained about 15 individuals, according to NDTV and The Economic Times. Similar unrest has occurred elsewhere in Mumbai, with protesters emphasizing the cultural significance of kabutarkhanas, some of which are heritage structures originating as charitable grain donation centers.
In Mumbai, a Jain warned that pigeons, being dependent on these feeding stations, risk starvation if the ban remains absolute. The Jain community has been vocal, asserting that feeding pigeons is integral to their faith, symbolizing peace and loyalty.
At a protest, placards read “Save Kabutarkhanas, Save Compassion,” underscoring the emotional and religious weight of the practice.
The crackdown is driven by evidence linking pigeon droppings to serious health issues, including at least seven zoonotic pathogens that cause pneumonia, fungal infections, and lung damage.
It’s critical to understand that prolonged exposure can lead to hypersensitivity pneumonitis a condition causing lung inflammation often initially misdiagnosed as a persistent cough or breathing difficulties.
Pulmonologists warn that repeated exposure to fine dust from pigeon droppings and feathers can trigger hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), a serious lung disease that may progress to fibrosis if unrecognised. They emphasise that avoiding the antigen early, using protective cleaning practices, and seeking care for persistent cough or breathlessness are critical.
Notable cases include a BBC-reported anecdote about 75-year-old Nirmal Kohli, whose CT scan allegedly showed partial lung volume loss attributed to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings; and a well-documented case of an 11-year-old boy in East Delhi who developed life-threatening hypersensitivity pneumonitis after extended contact with pigeon feathers and droppings and was treated at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in July 2024.
According to BMC affidavits submitted in court, pigeon droppings collected from Mumbai kabutarkhanas tested positive for harmful fungal spores, strengthening the civic body’s case.
Delhi-based biodiversity expert Faiyaz Khudsar warns that India’s pigeon population has surged over 150% since 2000, per the 2023 State of India’s Birds report, with each bird producing up to 15kg of droppings annually. This overpopulation, fueled by abundant food and no natural predators, is displacing native species like house sparrows, creating ecological imbalances.
The issue extends beyond Mumbai, with several cities in India and worldwide implementing similar restrictions to address health and ecological concerns. In India, Pune and Thane, both in Maharashtra, have imposed fines for feeding pigeons in public spaces, citing similar health risks. Delhi has issued an advisory to discourage public feeding, with Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh emphasizing the need to prioritize public well-being over unregulated feeding practices.
Globally, Venice has banned feeding pigeons in historic squares to protect heritage sites and public health. Singapore enforces hefty fines for public feeding, while New York and London have designated regulated feeding zones to control pigeon populations and minimize health risks. These measures reflect a growing recognition of the need to balance urban wildlife management with public safety, as pigeon overpopulation contributes to sanitation issues and disease transmission worldwide.
The Mumbai ban was spurred by a July 4, 2025, Maharashtra Legislative Council discussion where lawmakers, including BJP’s Chitra Wagh who highlighted a family member’s death linked to pigeon-related lung disease, asked for action. The BMC fined 142 people Rs 68,700 between July 13 and August 3 for illegal feeding and covered 51 kabutarkhanas with tarpaulin. However, protests prompted Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to soften the stance, calling abrupt closures inadvisable and advocating “controlled feeding” ahead of BMC elections.
On August 4, 2025, the Bombay High Court dismissed a plea against the ban, prioritizing public health as “paramount.” Justices GS Kulkarni and Arif Doctor stated: “Such acts undoubtedly expose people at large... to an eminent danger from the spread of infections/diseases dangerous to human life.” The Court directed the formation of an expert panel including civic officials, health experts, and community representatives to propose a long-term solution.
Demolition of kabutarkhanas has been suspended until the committee’s recommendations are reviewed. The Supreme Court recently declined to interfere, effectively leaving the High Court’s decision intact.
Animal welfare groups suggest building enclosed aviaries near kabutarkhanas, where feeding can continue without exposing citizens to droppings.
Experts recommend avoiding direct pigeon contact, cleaning affected areas with protective gear, and seeking medical advice for respiratory symptoms. Urban planning to restore natural predators is also urged.
Deeply woven into India’s urban culture, pigeons symbolize city life, yet, the ongoing debate underscores the urgent need to redefine how tradition and public health can coexist in modern cities.
A quick look at how the ban unfolded in Mumbai:
July 4, 2025 – Maharashtra Legislative Council debate
Lawmakers raise alarm over pigeon-linked respiratory illnesses. BJP’s Chitra Wagh cites a relative’s death and demands urgent action.
July 13–Aug 3, 2025 – Civic Crackdown
BMC fines 142 people (₹68,700 total) for feeding pigeons and covers 51 kabutarkhanas with tarpaulin sheets.
August 3, 2025 – Protests at Gateway of India
Hundreds from the Jain community rally from Colaba Jain Temple, tearing down tarpaulins and threatening hunger strikes. Around 15 detained.
August 4, 2025 – High Court Ruling
Bombay High Court upholds the ban, calling public health “paramount.” Orders an expert panel to recommend long-term measures.
Mid-August 2025 – Political Response
CM Devendra Fadnavis signals willingness for “controlled feeding,” amid growing protests before BMC elections.
August 19–20, 2025 – Supreme Court Decision
SC declines to intervene, leaving the HC ruling intact. Kabutarkhana demolitions paused until expert panel reports.
(Rh/Eth/MKB/MSM)