Mumbai to Shut All 51 'Kabootar Khanas': Here's Why the State Stepped In

The Maharashtra government has ordered the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to start closing "kabootar khanas," or pigeon feeding locations, throughout Mumbai, citing the significant health risks posed by pigeon droppings.

Shiv Sena leader and MLC Manisha Kayande raised the matter in the Maharashtra Legislative Council on Thursday, "Those who live nearby are experiencing respiratory issues as a result of the pigeons' waste and feathers," she said.

Echoing the concern, BJP leader Chitra Wagh said she had lost her aunt to a respiratory illness linked to exposure to pigeon droppings.

Responding on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Urban Development Minister Uday Samant confirmed that there are currently 51 ‘kabootar khanas’ in Mumbai. “We will ask the BMC to start an awareness drive within a month and immediately begin shutting down these feeding points,” he said.

Samant also highlighted the need to educate the public on the dangers of feeding pigeons, revealing that some birds have even been seen scavenging on fast food like pizza and burgers at Girgaum Chowpatty.

He noted that while the iconic Dadar ‘kabootar khana’ was temporarily closed for two days, it reopened after people resumed feeding pigeons there.

In a written reply, Deputy CM Shinde said unauthorized ‘kabootar khanas’ in areas like Santacruz East, Daulat Nagar, and Santacruz West have already been removed. In their place, the BMC has developed traffic islands and Miyawaki-style gardens.