Why is govt shutting down Mumbai’s kabootar khanas? Know the health risks

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to immediately shut down the kabootar khanas or feeding points for pigeons, citing public health concerns related to their droppings. Illegal structures around the kabootar khana in Dadar have been torn down. Heaps of sacks that contained pigeon feed and grains were removed from many feeding points. The authorities plan to shut down more kabootar khanas in the city in the coming days.

Meanwhile, BMC officials stated the feeding points could be completely shut down only if the local residents and passersby stopped throwing grains and feed for the pigeons at these spots. The corporation has already started awareness campaigns in the city to ensure the cooperation of the people. Approximately 51 prominent kabootar khanas operate in various areas of the city. These feeding points, which were initially established to feed the pigeons, later became a significant icon of the growing Mumbai city.

Health risks
The droppings, feathers, and materials used for building nests carry bacteria and viruses that can cause diseases in humans. These feeding points pose a threat to the health and well-being of the people living around them, as their droppings and feathers may lead to respiratory diseases. The health risks may be severe in densely populated cities like Mumbai, where there is an immense population of pigeons. These kabootar khanas have reportedly led to the death of many. Raising the issue at the legislature, BJP MLC Chitra Raghav said that she lost a relative due to respiratory diseases arising from pigeon droppings.

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP) is a severe respiratory illness caused by a fungus seen in pigeon droppings. Dry cough and difficulty breathing are the primary symptoms on this condition. If this condition persists, it may lead to severe lung damage. Doctors often warn about the rising number of HP patients in Mumbai. The pigeon droppings that is acidic adversely affect the longevity of many heritage buildings and protected structures.

Bird lovers protest
While some find feeding the pigeons extremely relaxing, it is a sacred act for people who belong to certain religious sects. The decision to shut down the kabootar khanas has drawn criticism from these people as well as bird lovers. Narendra Mehta, a social worker, said that they would oppose the government's action legally, citing the court’s instructions to build special feeding points near housing societies. Meanwhile, many suggested moving the kabootar khanas to secluded areas as these feeding points pose health risks to densely populated areas.

Most kabootar khanas in the city are at least a century old and have been part of the history and cultural heritage of the great city. Crowded kabootar khanas at Dadar, Marine Drive, Andheri, Worli, Girgaon, Chowpatty, Gateway of India and CSMT railway station are a common sight. One of the famous kabootar khanas in front of the Dadar railway station was built in 1933. It is assumed that around 3000 – 4000 pigeons come at this kabootar khana daily. Although the BMC had decided to shift this kabootar khana earlier, it didn’t happen.