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A place where pigeons get fed. Photo credit: zoxcleb/flickr
The Maharashtra government has ordered the immediate closure of all pigeon feeding zones, known as ‘kabootar khanas’, across Mumbai. The move, announced on July 4, 2025, targets 51 such sites in response to growing health concerns linked to pigeon droppings and feathers.
Urban Development Minister Uday Samant confirmed the action in the Maharashtra Legislative Council. “Directions will be issued to the BMC to immediately start the process of shutting ‘kabootar khanas’,” he said. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has also been told to begin a public awareness campaign within a month.
Why Govt Orders Shut Down Kabootar Khanas
The decision follows a rising number of respiratory illness cases reported among residents living near pigeon feeding areas. Shiv Sena MLC Manisha Kayande raised the issue in the Council. “These ‘kabootar khanas’ pose a danger to the people living around them as their waste and feathers lead to respiratory diseases,” she said.
BJP MLC Chitra Wagh shared a personal story, saying her aunt died from respiratory complications linked to pigeon droppings. She urged the government to act, saying these sites had become silent health threats in busy neighbourhoods.
Pigeon droppings have been linked to diseases like psittacosis, salmonellosis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. These can cause flu-like symptoms, lung infections, and, in severe cases, permanent lung damage. Doctors in Mumbai have reported a surge in such conditions. “We’ve seen a five-fold increase in cases of bird fancier’s lung,” said Dr. Namrata Jasoni, a senior pulmonologist. “Long-term exposure to droppings can scar the lungs and lead to irreversible damage.”
Dr. Arjun Khanna, head of pulmonary medicine at Amrita Hospital, also warned about the health risks. “Pigeon fur, feathers, and excreta can trigger allergies and lung fibrosis. People must remove nests from their balconies and use pigeon nets.”
Pigeon poop diseases
People often ask ifpigeon droppings are toxic, and the short answer is yes, they can be toxic. Pigeons, like many other birds, can carry a range of diseases, and they can transmit some of these diseases to humans through their droppings.
| Disease/Parasite | Cause | Transmission | Symptoms | Prevention/Precautions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Histoplasmosis | Inhaling fungal spores from soil with pigeon droppings | Inhalation of fungal spores | Flu-like symptoms, fatigue | Remove pigeon droppings, wear masks and protective clothing when cleaning contaminated areas |
| Candidiasis | Yeast infection caused by Candida yeast, carried by pigeons | Contact with contaminated surfaces/areas | Thrush, skin, respiratory, urogenital issues | Maintain good hygiene, treat infections promptly, avoid contact with infected areas |
| Cryptococcosis | Fungal infection from exposure to Cryptococcus fungus carried by pigeons | Inhalation or contact with infected materials | Lung and nervous system issues | Avoid contact with pigeons and their droppings, wear protective gear in risky environments |
| Psittacosis | Bacterial infection from Chlamydia psittaci carried by pigeons | Inhalation or contact with infected materials | Respiratory symptoms, pneumonia-like illness | Prevent exposure to dried bird droppings, practice good hygiene, use protective equipment |
| Encephalitis | Viral infection from mosquitoes feeding on birds carrying the virus | Mosquito bite after feeding on infected birds | Neurological symptoms, fever | Control mosquito populations, avoid mosquito bites, reduce bird populations if necessary |
| Salmonellosis | Bacterial infection from Salmonella bacteria present in pigeon droppings | Ingestion or inhalation of contaminated materials | Diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps | Proper food handling, disinfecting contaminated areas, minimize exposure to pigeon droppings |
| E.Coli | Bacterial infection from Escherichia coli, transmitted by infected pigeons | Contact with contaminated materials or surfaces | Diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia | Practice good hygiene, avoid contact with infected pigeons, cook food thoroughly, maintain cleanliness in living spaces |
Despite health warnings, the order has sparked concern among some residents and animal welfare groups. Feeding pigeons is seen by many as a religious or charitable act. Groups argue that a sudden shutdown could leave thousands of birds without food and disrupt cultural traditions.
Samant said the government is aware of these concerns. “There is a need to create awareness about the hazards of feeding pigeons,” he said. He pointed out that pigeons often scavenge leftover food at public places like Girgaum Chowpatty, raising hygiene issues beyond just the feeding zones.
Past attempts to shut unauthorised feeding points in areas like Santacruz East and West have seen mixed success. The BMC later converted those sites into gardens and traffic islands. Even the iconic Dadar ‘kabootar khana’ was closed for two days, but reopened after locals resumed feeding the birds.
Veterinary experts support the move. Dr. KM Chandrashekar, a veterinary microbiologist in Karnataka, said, “Pigeon droppings can carry up to 60 diseases. These include fungal and bacterial infections that spread through airborne particles.” His team is conducting awareness campaigns to educate the public.
Critics of the closures say more humane alternatives are needed. Some have called for designated bird feeding areas away from dense residential zones, along with efforts to control the pigeon population.
The BMC will now have to walk a fine line between public health and public sentiment. As the closures begin, how residents respond, and how the city manages the transition, will shape the future of these once-cherished city landmarks.
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