**Maharashtra Government Orders Closure of Pigeon Feeding Points in Mumbai**
The Maharashtra government has mandated the immediate closure of ‘kabootar khanas’—designated feeding areas for pigeons—in Mumbai due to health concerns linked to pigeon droppings. This decision was highlighted during a session in the Maharashtra legislative council, where Shiv Sena leader and nominated MLC Manisha Kayande raised alarms about the potential health risks these feeding points pose to nearby residents, particularly respiratory issues caused by waste and feathers.
BJP leader Chitra Wagh, also a nominated council member, shared a personal account, revealing that she lost her aunt to respiratory complications attributed to pigeon droppings. In response, Minister Uday Samant, representing Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, confirmed that there are currently 51 ‘kabootar khanas’ in the city. He stated that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will be instructed to launch an awareness campaign against these feeding points within a month and to initiate the process of shutting them down immediately.
Samant emphasized the importance of educating the public about the dangers of feeding pigeons, noting that some pigeons have been observed scavenging food items like pizza and burgers at Girgaum Chowpatty. He mentioned that the well-known Dadar ‘kabootar khana’ was temporarily closed for two days but resumed operations as people continued to feed the birds.
In a written statement, Shinde indicated that unauthorized ‘kabootar khanas’ in Santacruz East and Daulat Nagar, as well as Santacruz West, have already been shut down. The BMC has repurposed these areas into traffic islands and Miyawaki gardens.
As the government takes steps to address the health risks associated with pigeon feeding, the focus remains on safeguarding public health and promoting awareness about the implications of such practices.
**FAQ**
**Q: Why has the Maharashtra government decided to shut down ‘kabootar khanas’?**
A: The government has cited health hazards from pigeon droppings, which can lead to respiratory diseases among residents living near these feeding points.
