BMC Invites Citizen Feedback on Pigeon Feeding Restrictions in Mumbai

In the ongoing controversy over pigeon feeding in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has invited public input on the matter. This move comes just weeks after the Bombay High Court (HC) hearing on August 7, where the court had directed the BMC to form an expert committee to explore workable mechanisms for feeding pigeons at public spaces.

On July 30, the HC had ordered the BMC to curb "illegal" and "defiant" public feeding of pigeons, citing health hazards like fungal infections and respiratory issues. The civic authorities have maintained that citizens can now provide suggestions and objections to controlled pigeon feeding by writing to the BMC.

The BMC says it is trying to reach a middle ground where the health and well-being of citizens are protected, while also not hurting religious sentiments, as pigeon feeding is considered a pious act in many communities. The Kabutarkhanas, which were shut down earlier, continue to remain closed, and public feeding of pigeons is still not allowed as per the court's ban.

The HC had also asked the BMC to take measures like installing CCTV cameras, deploying beat marshals, and using nets to prevent pigeons from congregating. The court's decision led to public backlash, with members of the Jain community even breaking the scaffolding of the Dadar Kabutarkhana. However, the court reiterated its previous order, stating that the ban on public feeding "very much stands."