Picture used for illustration solely. , Picture Credit score: The Hindu
A Mumbai-based advocate has moved the Bombay Excessive Courtroom on Wednesday (November 19, 2025) to cancel the BMC’s choice permitting managed pigeon feeding at 4 places, together with Airoli-Mulund creekside, citing well being, security and environmental dangers.
The petition filed by advocate and social activist Sagar Kantilal Devre, argues that the positioning poses “grave dangers” to public well being, street security, and the native ecosystem.
The intervention utility comes within the backdrop of ongoing petitions difficult the legality of pigeon feeding in public areas. The Excessive Courtroom had earlier upheld BMC’s blanket ban on feeding pigeons at conventional Kabutarkhanasciting medical proof that pigeon droppings and feathers can transmit extreme respiratory sicknesses reminiscent of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, histoplasmosis, and cryptococcosis. The Supreme Courtroom refused to intrude with these orders in August.
Following public stress, BMC issued a press word on October 31 asserting an interim association, managed feeding between 7 am and 9 am at Worli Reservoir, a mangrove patch in Andheri West, Gorai Maidan in Borivali, and the Airoli-Mulund creekside. NGOs keen to handle cleanliness and crowd management have been invited to supervise these spots till an professional committee submits its report.
Mr. Devre’s petition contends that the Airoli-Mulund website is “extremely unsuitable,” citing images of site visitors congestion and unsanitary situations. “The sudden flight of huge flocks close to a busy arterial street connecting Mumbai and Navi Mumbai might set off accidents,” the plea states. It additionally warns of ecological disruption in mangrove habitats and potential hurt to migratory birds like flamingos.
The applying reiterates well being considerations highlighted in earlier courtroom proceedings, noting that pigeon droppings launch fungal spores and allergens that may trigger irreversible lung injury, particularly amongst kids, senior residents, and immunocompromised people. Environmental hazards reminiscent of corrosion of infrastructure and blocked drains have been additionally flagged.
The Excessive Courtroom had beforehand directed the formation of a 13-member professional committee comprising pulmonologists, microbiologists, and representatives from the Bombay Pure Historical past Society and Animal Welfare Boards to look at the well being affect of pigeon feeding and counsel long-term options. The committee’s report is awaited.
Mr. Devre has urged the courtroom to permit his intervention and direct BMC to rethink the Airoli-Mulund designation.
Printed – November 20, 2025 04:19 am IST