Archive · 28 Oct 2025
BMC Proposes New Pigeon Feeding Sites Amid Environmental Concerns
The city's government, called BMC, previously stopped people from feeding pigeons in public parks because it could make people sick.
But, a group of people from the Jain religion, who believe feeding birds is a good deed, asked the BMC to find new places for them to feed the pigeons.
The BMC is now thinking about four special spots far away from where people live.
They chose places near forests and away from homes to keep everyone healthy.
However, some nature lovers are worried that feeding pigeons in these new spots, especially near forests, could harm the environment and other animals.
The rules about feeding pigeons are still being decided by a court.
BMC is considering four new sites for pigeon feeding: near SGNP, Aarey, Wadala, and Gorai.
The move follows a ban on public pigeon feeding and a meeting with a Jain community delegation.
Proposed sites are away from residential areas to mitigate public health risks.
Environmentalists oppose feeding pigeons in eco-sensitive zones like SGNP and Aarey due to ecological concerns.
Pigeon feeding in public spaces remains banned as per Bombay High Court orders, with over 200 violators penalized.
- Who
- Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and a Jain community delegation
- What
- BMC is considering four new sites for pigeon feeding following a ban, amidst concerns from environmentalists.
- When
- The announcement came after the ban and a meeting with the Jain community, with public feeding spots remaining closed.
- Where
- Mumbai, with proposed new sites near SGNP, Aarey Milk Colony, Wadala, and Gorai.
- Why
- To provide alternative controlled locations for pigeon feeding, as requested by the Jain community, while addressing public health concerns and court orders.
BMC
Environmentalists
Designated Pigeon Feeding Locations
BMC
The BMC is considering four new sites (near SGNP, Aarey, Wadala, and Gorai) away from residential areas to allow controlled pigeon feeding. These locations are chosen to minimize public health risks.
Environmentalists
Environmentalists criticize the BMC's plan to allow feeding within eco-sensitive zones like SGNP and Aarey, arguing it will cause ecological imbalance and harm native bird species.
Ecological Impact of Pigeon Feeding
BMC
The BMC's primary focus is on finding safe, designated locations, while implicitly acknowledging the need for controlled feeding as indicated by discussions with the Jain community and the Chief Minister's statement.
Environmentalists
Environmentalists warn that pigeons can displace native birds like sparrows and mynahs and that pigeon droppings can spread diseases such as parrot fever, posing risks to other animals and humans.
- Authority
- Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)
- Administrator
- Bhushan Gagrani
- Proposed Feeding Sites
- Near SGNP, Aarey Milk Colony, Wadala mangrove patch, Gorai
- Reason for new sites
- Away from dense residential areas to avoid public health risks
- Current Status of Public Feeding
- Banned and all public feeding spots remain closed as per Bombay High Court orders
- Community Involved
- Jain community
- Number of violators penalized (July-Oct)
- Over 200
- Existing Kabutarkhanas in Mumbai
- Over 50
