6 months ago
2
A Mumbai-based advocator has moved the Bombay High Court connected Wednesday (November 19, 2025) to cancel the BMC’s determination allowing controlled pigeon feeding astatine 4 locations, including Airoli-Mulund creekside, citing health, safety and biology risks.
The petition filed by advocator and societal activistic Sagar Kantilal Devre, argues that the tract poses “grave risks” to nationalist health, roadworthy safety, and the section ecosystem.
The involution exertion comes in the backdrop of ongoing petitions challenging the legality of pigeon feeding successful nationalist spaces. The High Court had earlier upheld BMC’s broad prohibition connected feeding pigeons astatine traditional Kabutarkhanas, citing aesculapian grounds that pigeon droppings and feathers can transmit severe respiratory illnesses specified arsenic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, histoplasmosis, and cryptococcosis. The Supreme Court refused to interfere with these orders successful August.
Following nationalist pressure, BMC issued a property enactment connected October 31 announcing an interim arrangement, controlled feeding betwixt 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. astatine Worli Reservoir, a mangrove spot successful Andheri West, Gorai Maidan successful Borivali, and the Airoli-Mulund creekside. NGOs consenting to negociate cleanliness and assemblage power were invited to oversee these spots until an adept committee submits its report.
Mr. Devre’s petition contends that the Airoli-Mulund tract is “highly unsuitable,” citing photographs of postulation congestion and unsanitary conditions. “The abrupt formation of ample flocks adjacent a engaged arterial roadworthy connecting Mumbai and Navi Mumbai could trigger accidents,” the plea states. It besides warns of ecological disruption successful mangrove habitats and imaginable harm to migratory birds similar flamingos.
The exertion reiterates wellness concerns highlighted successful earlier tribunal proceedings, noting that pigeon droppings merchandise fungal spores and allergens that tin origin irreversible lung damage, particularly among children, elder citizens, and immunocompromised individuals. Environmental hazards specified arsenic corrosion of infrastructure and blocked drains were besides flagged.
The High Court had antecedently directed the enactment of a 13-member adept committee comprising pulmonologists, microbiologists, and representatives from the Bombay Natural History Society and Animal Welfare Boards to analyse the wellness interaction of pigeon feeding and suggest semipermanent solutions. The committee’s study is awaited.
Mr. Devre has urged the tribunal to let his involution and nonstop BMC to reconsider the Airoli-Mulund designation.
