'Leave The Pigeons Alone' Says Maharashtra Government

The Maharashtra government has issued an order banning feeding at 51 designated pigeon‑feeding zones or “kabootar khanas” across Mumbai.

The move addresses growing concerns about the public health hazards posed by increasing pigeon populations and highlights the risks of respiratory illness linked to pigeon droppings and feathers.

What Is The Move?

Maharashtra’s health department has instructed the city’s municipal body, to close down 51 officially recognized pigeon feeding zones. These areas had previously been permitted as part of cultural or religious feeding rituals. However, following growing expert concern over their health implications, authorities capped the number of fed pigeon colonies and barred further feeding in public spaces. BMC is also launching awareness campaigns and plan to impose fines against those continuing to feed pigeons in unauthorized zones

Why Is The Policy Being Introduced Now?

Data indicates pigeon populations in Mumbai have surged roughly 150% in recent years, driven largely by easy access to food in public feeding areas .

Doctors and civic officials are witnessing more cases of respiratory illnesses. Mumbai has recorded instances of severe fungal lung infections and cryptococcal meningitis allegedly originating from pigeon droppings. With documented cases and mounting expert warnings, the state government responded by halting the feeding in kabootar khanas and pushing municipal action.

Health Risks

Pigeon droppings and feathers can harbor and transmit several pathogens and allergens, which become airborne after drying and can cause severe illness. Some of them are:

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), also called "pigeon breeder's lung"

An immune-mediated condition where inhaled proteins from droppings or feathers cause lung inflammation. Symptoms include chronic cough, breathlessness, fever, and lasting tissue scarring. In Maharashtra cities like Pune, medical professionals report 8–10 cases per month

Fungal Infections

Opportunistic fungi such as Cryptococcus and Histoplasma thrive in pigeon guano. These can cause severe lung infections and, in immunocompromised people, cryptococcal meningitis, a brain infection

Bacterial Illnesses

Inhaled bacteria from droppings can lead to psittacosis or salmonellosis, both of which trigger pneumonia-like symptoms

Aggravation Of Asthma And Allergies

Pigeon allergens exacerbate asthma, rhinitis, and bronchitis, especially among those with pre-existing conditions

These pathogens become particularly dangerous when droppings are disturbed during sweeping or cleaning, aerosolizing spores that linger in the air. Vulnerable groups including children, the elderly, asthma sufferers, and immunocompromised individuals are disproportionately at risk.

The ban aims to mitigate a clear public health crisis. The sudden spike in pigeon populations has translated into rising cases of serious respiratory illnesses from hypersensitivity pneumonitis to fungal infections borne from pigeon droppings and feathers. With supportive fines, awareness drives, and safe cleaning advice, authorities are responding to both a health emergency and urban cleanliness imperative. As the BMC roll out the ban, its success will depend on sustained enforcement and a community shift toward more responsible interaction with urban.