Pigeon feeding causes health risks and traffic nuisance, complain residents in Mumbai; welcome Maharashtra government decision to shut kabutarkhanas
According to RTI activist Anil Galgali, kabutarkhanas may have served a purpose when Mumbai was less populated, but they have now become a traffic and hygiene nuisance. "With the city's massive population growth, these kabutarkhanas only add to street congestion as large crowds gather to feed pigeons," Galgali said.
In Khar, where residents have fought a prolonged battle to curb this issue, Anandini Thakoor, managing trustee of the Khar Residents Association, said they were forced to hire a security guard to deter people from feeding pigeons near the railway station.
"We tried reasoning with grain merchants, but it didn't work. One of our trustees stepped in to fund a guard, who, with police support, helped restrict pigeon feeding.
Residents have even slipped on pigeon droppings," she said, recounting how the kabutarkhana demolition finally happened in Sept 2022, prompted by repeated complaints of pigeon droppings.
You Can Also Check:
Mumbai AQI
|
Weather in Mumbai
|
Bank Holidays in Mumbai
|
Public Holidays in Mumbai
In Andheri Lokhandwala, the problem has persisted for years.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Did You Know Luxury Hotel Prices in 2025 Could Be So Low?
Expertinspector
Learn More
Undo
Rakesh Coelho, a local, said pigeon feathers and droppings are proven health hazards. "Authorities should have intervened much earlier. Pigeon feeding isn't just limited to one spot — birds spread across the area, affecting entire localities," he said. Some of them get hit by cars, also said a resident.
Deepak Devrukhkar of the Dadar Vyapari Sangh suggested a more balanced approach. "Relocating kabutarkhanas to less populated areas could be a solution.
In Dadar, for instance, the kabutarkhana sits in one of the most congested zones. Its removal will greatly improve traffic flow," he said.
BMC has never banned feeding of pigeons, but civic rules stipulate a Rs 500 penalty for feeding animals/birds in non-designated areas.
In Oct 2019, several joggers slipped on Worli Seaface promenade due to pigeon feed and droppings. In response, BMC briefly deployed clean-up marshals at the site between 6am and 6pm daily to maintain hygiene and deter pigeon feeding.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
23 minutes ago
- Time of India
CBSE begins preparing students for board exams
Ranchi: Schools have begun to orient students for next year's board exams on the basis of sample papers and marking schemes which has been recently released by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for the academic session 2025–26. According to the official CBSE circular, there has been no change in the exam pattern or marking scheme from the previous academic year (2024–25). This year, the CBSE released the sample papers earlier than usual, providing students more time to familiarise themselves with the structure of the upcoming exams. Alongside the sample papers, the marking schemes were also made available on the board's official website: Ravi Shekhar, academic coordinator at Oxford Public School, said, "These resources aim not only to aid exam preparation but also to strengthen classroom learning and conceptual understanding. CBSE has encouraged schools to integrate the sample papers into regular teaching practices." According to the circular, the sample papers cover all subjects, with most provided in both English and Hindi (excluding language-specific papers). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is this legal? Access all TV channels without a subscription! Techno Mag Learn More Undo The board examinations for both classes will be conducted in Feb 2026, with general instructions, section-wise distribution, and maximum marks clearly defined in the sample documents. "CBSE's sample papers guide students preparing for competitive exams. It fully incorporates NCERT content. Students should start early and understand these papers thoroughly to perform better in boards," said Jaya Chauhan, Principal of Delhi Public School. An important change highlighted in CBSE's new approach is the decision to conduct Class X board examinations twice a year starting 2026. The main examination will be held in Feb–March, while a second attempt, termed the improvement exam, will be conducted in May. Following this, concerns emerged among students regarding possible changes in marking patterns, which the board has now addressed by maintaining consistency in the marking scheme. Principal of Gurunanak Higher Secondary School, captain Sumit Kaur, said, "To begin with, teachers need to thoroughly understand the sample papers and adjust their teaching methods accordingly to help students practice efficiently. When students become familiar with the exam pattern early on, it becomes easier for them to grasp the concepts and perform well in the exams." Aarav Kumar, a class X student at Dani Public School, Khunti, said, "The early release of CBSE sample papers has really helped us understand the exam pattern and focus on important topics. It's like a roadmap that guides our preparation and boosts our confidence for the board exams." Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
23 minutes ago
- Time of India
This bird resembles a baby dragon, and that's not even the most bizarre part; read on to know more!
credit: Canva In the jungles of Southeast Asia exists a bird so bizarre, it appears to be a monster from a fairy tale. With oversized eyes, a small beak, and feather tufts that look like horns, the Great Eared Nightjar has been referred to as a baby dragon on many occasions. And it's all completely real. What is the Great Eared Nightjar? This night bird is a member of the nightjar family, which is famous for their sneaky nature and ghostly calls. It's indigenous to tropical forests in nations such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Notwithstanding its mystical appearance, it's an integral part of nature, perfectly evolved for survival in the dark foliage. The odd appearance is not a mere look! Its dragon-like look is not accidental. The dark, mottled feathers are camouflaged, and it will match tree bark or forest ground. It remains motionless by day, concealed in plain sight. Predators and people alike may totally overlook it, even when it's staring at them. The voice? Just weird The Great Eared Nightjar does not chirp or tweet, like normal birds. It makes instead long, ghostly calls that ring out during the night. It's likened by some to a whisper and a wail mixed together. The call serves to communicate in the dark, and contributes as well to its otherworldly image. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like They Were So Beautiful Before; Now Look At Them; Number 10 Will Shock You Reportingly Undo This bird that does not require a nest! This bird is special in its parenting as well. Unlike most other birds, it does not construct a nest for the young. It instead drops a single egg straight into the forest floor or into dry leaves. The egg is skillfully concealed and protected, often perfectly camouflaged. A creature of shadows and mystery The Great Eared Nightjar can be glimpsed only occasionally, but never forgotten. Its dragonfly allure, phantom singing, and secret existence have endeared it to bird enthusiasts and fantasy enthusiasts alike. It's a reminder that some of the most enchanting beasts in the world aren't in fairy tales or in films—they're hidden in plain sight.
Time of India
23 minutes ago
- Time of India
BMC covers up Dadar Kabutarkhana, cites Bombay high court order
Mumbai: BMC covered the Dadar Kabutarkhana, a heritage structure, with a tarpaulin sheet late on Saturday amid a growing debate on health hazards caused by using public spaces to feed pigeons. This action was taken after a brief suspension on Friday when locals requested time to relocate sick pigeons at the site. "Several people who visited the Kabutarkhana on Sunday morning to feed pigeons were disappointed to find the place covered with sheets," said Sandeep Doshi, a trustee of the Kabutarkhana Trust. BMC said the move was in compliance with Bombay high court directions to prevent air pollution caused due to pigeon droppings. However, with a section of residents unhappy about the restrictions, Mumbai Suburban guardian minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha wrote to BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani urging him to find an amicable solution, considering the feelings of animal lovers and respecting the court's directives. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai "BMC should provide alternative places to feed the pigeons. There are open spaces in Bandra-Kurla Complex, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, and Aarey Colony where alternative feeding grounds can be created. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Most Beautiful Female Athletes Right Now Undo The BMC commissioner should look into this and provide a solution," Lodha said. On July 30, HC directed registration of FIRs against those who continue to feed pigeons at kabutarkhanas in the city — all 51 of them have been ordered shut. It said the FIR should invoke the BNS section 271 pertaining to negligent acts likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life, which attracts up to six months' jail. HC also permitted BMC to cordon off or cover kabutarkhanas to stop the congregation of pigeons. Doshi said G-North ward workers came around 7pm on Saturday and covered the entire Kabutarkhana structure with a tarpaulin sheet by around 11pm. On Friday, citizens had opposed the civic workers' attempts to cover the structure, as there were many infirm, old, and diseased pigeons, and they were being abandoned on the road. "We took 2,000-2,500 of these pigeons, put them in carton boxes, and sent them to hospitals and other kabutarkhanas, treating them before releasing them. We have now posted five boys to drive away pigeons converging on the roads to avoid them being run over by vehicles," Doshi said. "The pigeons are on the roads, as there is no water or food. The civic body has cut water supply to the Kabutarkhana. Now we will present our stance in the court. " After the state govt on July 4 said it would instruct BMC to immediately shut all 51 kabutarkhanas in the city, the G-North ward carried out the action at Dadar and seized about 25 sacks of feed for pigeons stacked up within the premises. They also removed the fencing and a temporary shed used for storage of feeding material. Civic staffers cleaned the whole premises and surroundings of the Dadar Kabutarkhana. The issue of kabutarkhanas, especially at the traffic island in Dadar (W), was raised in the legislative council by Shiv Sena's Manisha Kayande, who said kabutarkhanas were causing respiratory ailments. She demanded medical tests for residents to assess the ill-effects on them and sought to know what action govt will take considering the health hazards involved. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
