In a significant clash of interests, the Mumbai city administration has imposed a ban on feeding pigeons, citing health risks related to pigeon droppings, which can harbor zoonotic pathogens. The prohibition has sparked outrage among activists, bird enthusiasts, and religious groups, particularly within the Jain community, who view feeding pigeons as an act of faith. Protests erupted after the closure of a culturally important pigeon feeding space known as a kabutarkhana, resulting in clashes with police, arrests, and calls for hunger strikes.
Authorities have pointed to rising health concerns, as studies link pigeon droppings to serious respiratory illnesses. With a remarkable increase of over 150% in pigeon populations since 2000, public spaces are becoming overwhelmed with droppings that can harm both human health and urban biodiversity. Environmentalists warn that pigeon overpopulation displaces other bird species, creating an ecological imbalance.
As public health advocates emphasize cleanliness and hygiene, those dedicated to the tradition of feeding pigeons argue for preserving their cultural heritage. Suggestions for a compromise include designated feeding times to allow for proper cleanup, an idea supported by animal rights organizations. The Bombay High Court has mandated an expert panel to explore manageable solutions, hinting at a future where both bird feeding and public health can coexist harmoniously.
While civic officials maintain that public health must take precedence, proponents of pigeon feeding, like Syed Ismat, call for a reevaluation of urban spaces and our shared relationship with wildlife, advocating a coexistence that respects both animal welfare and human health.
