Mumbai News: Silent Protest Against Closure Of Kabutar Khanas Called Off Citing 'Law And Order' Concerns

Mumbai: The animal and birds welfare activits, who had called for a silent protest at Daulat Nagar kabutar khana in Santacruz on Sunday, was called off citing 'law and order' concerns. The Pure Animal Lovers (PAL) Welfare Foundation, who had called for a Silent March in afternoon protesting against the closure of Kabutar khanas (pigeon feeding spots) in Mumbai, was called off in the morning. "We have postponed our protest. We had permission from the police as well. We were told that it's been postponed due to law and order concerns, and new date will be announced soon," said a member of PAL. 

The animal welfare activists and animal lovers from across the city we expected join at Daulat Nagar kabutar khana in Santacruz West and feed the pigeons as a mark of protest against the civic body’s crackdown against feeding of pigeons. The protest was announced after the state government's order to the BMC to close all 51 kabutar khanas in Mumbai citing health hazards like respiratory illnesses due to their droppings and feathers. 

Following the government's order the BMC on July 4, demolished the illegal storage and confiscated huge amount of food grains from city's biggest kabutar khana at Dadar. The BMC has also expedited it's actions like leving penalties from the pigeon feeders and awareness drives on hazards of pigeon feedings. 

However, there have been conflicting stands by citizens on closure of the pigeon feeding spots. At the time when activits are firm on feeding the birds, several residents associations in Mumbai are fully supporting the government's decision. "Knowing the health hazards the pigeon droppings and feathers cause, why would one intentionally ruin ones health in an already polluted atmosphere. Kabutar khanas should be banned and be termed termed as illegal with immediate effect," said Pervez Cooper, vice president of Clean Heritage Colaba Residents Association.

While, some residents of Lokhandwala, Andheri plan to come on ground and create awareness among pigeon feeders. "Only relying on BMC is not enough. Instead of imposing fines, creating awareness among citizens is more important. Circulating pamplets, posting boards on health hazards caused by pigeon droppings is required. Why don't the feeders feed the pigeons in their balconies? Because they know they create mess. But they are okay with that mess in public places," said Rajendra Ranshinge from Lokhandwala Joggers Park Association.

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Another resident Usha Subramanian said, "The doctors say that pigeon poop has been linked to respiratory illnesses including psittacosis, ornithosis, cryptococcosis and pneumonitis. It also contains pathogens including salmonella and E coli. If not citizens or even politicians, the pigeon feeders should believe the medical experts."

Founder of NGO Chakachak Dadar, Chetan Kamble said, "Feeding pigeons in cramped urban spaces like Kabutarkhanas is not compassion — it's a public health crisis in disguise. While we deeply respect animal welfare, our city’s public spaces must prioritise human health, hygiene, and smooth mobility. It's time we rethink outdated practices. We support the government’s decision to halt unregulated pigeon feeding and urge that such sites be transformed into scientifically managed urban biodiversity zones or aesthetically designed water fountains that ease traffic and enhance the beauty of the area."