The Kabootarkhana Conflict – Why Are Mumbai’s Pigeons Dying?
Mumbai’s iconic Dadar Kabootarkhana was shut after a court ban on public pigeon feeding. Over 900 pigeons died in three days.
Long ago, Mumbai’s streets were full of life at the kabootarkhanas – small stone areas where people gathered to feed pigeons. This was more than just a habit. For many, especially in the Jain and Muslim communities, it was a tradition tied to faith and kindness. One of the most famous was the Dadar Kabootarkhana, where people came daily with grains and water for the birds.
However, doctors and health experts began warning that this kind act may be causing serious health problems. Pigeon droppings, feathers, and dirt mix with the air, leading to breathing problems, eye irritation, skin allergies, and even severe lung infections like histoplasmosis. For asthma patients and those with weak lungs, this can be dangerous.
This concern led the NGO PAWS to file a case, asking for control over uncontrolled pigeon feeding. On 31st July 2025, the Bombay High Court ordered the BMC to stop such feeding practices and gather medical evidence to assess the risk. Though the court protected heritage sites like the Dadar Kabootarkhana from demolition, it supported actions to stop mass pigeon feeding.
As a result, the BMC shut down Dadar Kabootarkhana and covered it with tarpaulin and bamboo to stop entry. Within just three days, over 900 pigeons died due to sudden lack of food and water. This upset many locals who felt the birds were abandoned. Protests erupted, with more than 1,000 people marching to the Gateway of India demanding the reopening of the site.
Things got heated on 6th August, when hundreds of protestors tore down the barriers at Dadar Kabootarkhana and began feeding pigeons again, directly defying BMC rules. They said this was not just about birds—it was about faith, emotions, and traditions that go back generations.
At the same time, organisations like PETA India supported the ban. They said overfeeding pigeons in city spaces harms both birds and people. It makes pigeons dependent, spreads diseases, disturbs other bird species, and affects the city's air quality. They urged citizens to show compassion in smarter, healthier ways.
Now, people are divided. Some say feeding birds is a holy act of charity. Others feel it’s time to change practices that hurt public health and the environment. The Maharashtra government, led by Devendra Fadnavis, said it understands both sides and is looking for a middle path. Officials are discussing the possibility of creating designated feeding zones where both health and faith are respected.
The conversation continues, with no final decision yet—but one thing is clear: the pigeons of Mumbai have started a serious debate about tradition, compassion, and change in a modern city.
