Mumbai’s Pigeon Feeding Crackdown Sparks Massive Protest by Jain Community

Mumbai’s civic authority—the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)—has come under fire for its strict action against public pigeon feeding, known as kabutar khanas, and even private pigeon feeding within residential societies. The move has ignited fierce opposition from the Jain community, which views pigeon feeding as a deeply rooted religious and cultural tradition.

The action stems from a recent Bombay High Court directive that instructed the BMC to register FIRs against individuals feeding pigeons, citing health hazards associated with pigeon droppings. The next hearing is slated for August 7, where the court will examine medical data from KEM Hospital, alongside enforcement updates from the BMC and Mumbai Police.
 

Religious Sentiments vs Health Concerns

The BMC’s action is grounded in an affidavit submitted by KEM Hospital, which claims that pigeon droppings can lead to respiratory illnesses, especially Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP). While this has medical backing, the implementation of the crackdown has escalated into a city-wide controversy.

In retaliation, more than 1,000 members of the Jain community staged a protest between Gateway of India and Radio Club on Sunday. The demonstration was led by Jain Muni Nilesh Chandra Vijay, supported by Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s pravakta for Mumbai and Konkan region, and former Colaba corporator Puran Doshi.

 

The protesters chanted slogans like
 

“Shanti Jineshwar shanti karo, sabhi jivon ko sukhi karo” and
“Abol jivon ki hai ye pukar, mat ujado hamara sansaar,”
emphasizing their spiritual commitment to compassion for all living beings.
 

Citizens Targeted for Feeding in Private Homes

 

Many Jain residents say they’ve faced direct action for continuing to feed pigeons, even within their own homes.

Sandeep Jain, a tenant at Prithvi Bandhan Society in Worli, shared his experience: “My landlord told me that BMC officials photographed me feeding pigeons on the terrace. Now the society has received a warning and I’ve been told that I could be fined.”

The community sees this as not just overreach, but a violation of personal and religious freedoms.

 

Jain Muni Calls BMC Actions ‘Criminal and Inhumane’
 

Jain Muni Nilesh strongly criticized the BMC’s policy, calling it “criminal”, “inhumane”, and a “deliberate act of cruelty”. He alleged that 100 to 150 pigeons are dying daily due to starvation. “There are 51 kabutar khanas across Mumbai, and now pigeons have nowhere to go,” he stated.

He linked pigeon feeding to astrological and spiritual practices, particularly offerings to Navgraha and Rahu-Ketu. “In Jainism, even killing an ant is sinful. But now, pigeons are dying in hundreds.”

The muni went so far as to declare that the community is ready to defy constitutional rules if their religious practice is obstructed. “We have asked people to peacefully resist BMC officials if they come to issue fines,” he said.
 

Court Verdict to Shape Future Protests
 

The Jain muni warned that if the August 7 court verdict goes against the community, they will escalate their protests by conducting a sit-in at Dadar Kabutarkhana and initiating an indefinite fast.

He added, “We are even reciting the Hanuman Chalisa for the well-being of the pigeons. This is not just about tradition; it’s about compassion and religious integrity.”

 

Former Corporator Questions Medical Evidence
 

Puran Doshi, former Colaba corporator, questioned the BMC’s scientific rationale. Citing global research, he stated that other factors like air conditioners, wet walls, and genetics may also be responsible for pulmonary diseases. “Why are we blaming only pigeons when crows, hens, and vultures also exist in urban settings?” he asked.

Doshi also criticized the abrupt nature of the crackdown. “Pigeons return to the same spots daily for food. If we stop feeding them suddenly, it is like condemning them to death by starvation,” he said.

 

BJP Minister Calls for Balanced Policy
 

Even BJP Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha intervened, urging the BMC to adopt a balanced approach that considers both public health and cultural sentiment. In a letter to BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, Lodha proposed alternative feeding sites such as BKC, Mahalaxmi Racecourse, and Aarey Colony.

“Pigeons are dying due to lack of food. We must strike a balance between tradition and public safety,” Lodha wrote.

 

Peace Rally Planned, More Protests Expected
 

The Jain community has announced a peace rally on August 10, with residents from Dadar, Vile Parle, and South Mumbai expected to join. If the court ruling on August 7 is not favorable, Muni Nilesh will begin an indefinite fast at Dadar Kabutarkhana.

This issue, rooted at the crossroads of religious freedom, public health, and municipal governance, is shaping up to be one of Mumbai’s most contentious civic debates in recent memory.