Archive · 7 Aug 2025
Mumbai Pigeon Feeding Sparks Health, Tradition Conflict
Mumbai is having a problem with pigeon feeding.
The court says it's bad for health.
People from the Jain community feed pigeons as part of their beliefs.
The government is trying to find a way to let people feed the birds a little while also keeping things clean and safe for everyone.
It's a mix of beliefs and health rules.
Bombay High Court ordered the closure of all pigeon-feeding zones in Mumbai, citing health hazards.
Protestors, mainly from the Jain community, defied the court order at Dadar Kabutarkhana.
The BMC covered sites, barricaded them, and issued fines for violations.
The practice of feeding pigeons has deep cultural and religious roots, particularly for Jain and Gujarati communities.
Maharashtra CM instructed the BMC to allow "controlled feeding" and conduct a scientific study on health risks.
- Who
- Bombay High Court, BMC, Jain community, Maharashtra CM
- What
- Conflict over pigeon feeding sites in Mumbai following a court order.
- When
- July 31 (court order), August 3 (protests)
- Where
- Mumbai, specifically Dadar Kabutarkhana
- Why
- Court order citing health hazards vs. religious and cultural practices
Supporters of Pigeon Feeding
Supporters of Court Order
Tradition vs. Public Health
Supporters of Pigeon Feeding
Feeding pigeons is a sacred, age-old practice promoting compassion and non-violence.
Supporters of Court Order
Pigeon feeding poses health risks and public nuisance.
- Event
- Kabutarkhana (Pigeon Feeding Site) Dispute
- Location
- Mumbai, India
- Court Order
- Closure of all pigeon-feeding zones
- Key Players
- BMC, Jain Community, Maharashtra Government
- Main Issue
- Public health vs. religious tradition
- Protest Site
- Dadar Kabutarkhana
Sources
Protesters remove tarpaulin from ‘kabutarkhana’ in Dadar
Maharashtra government reverses decision after protests by Jain community, allows controlled pigeon feeding at Mumbai kabutarkhanas
Mumbai kabutarkhana protestors remove tarp, clash with cops
High drama in Mumbai over 'kabutarkhana' as protesters clash with police
Protesters remove tarpaulin from ‘kabutarkhana’ in Mumbai; minister condemns act
Protest erupts at Dadar Kabutarkhana after protesters try to feed pigeons forcibly
Mumbai: MNS Opposes Relief For Kabootar Khanas, Tells BMC To Prioritise Health Over Sentiment
Dadar Kabutarkhana turns flashpoint as Jains clash with BMC over pigeon feeding ban - Telegraph India
Mumbai News: Protestors Remove Cover From Dadar Kabutar Khana As Police, BMC Remain Mute Spectators
Tension after crowd forcefully opens Dadar Kabutarkhana to feed pigeons
In mixed reactions, some citizens cite health concerns, others question BMC move
Why BJP is scrambling to assuage Mumbai’s Jains, who took to streets over kabutarkhana closures
Devendra Fadnavis Orders Controlled Feeding Of Pigeons At 'Kabutarkhanas'
BJP-Shiv Sena Rift Deepens Over Dadar Kabutarkhana Protest Amid Row On Public Health And Court Order