Bombay High Court Challenges BMC’s Pigeon-Feeding Zone in Mulund Over Public Health Concerns

A fresh petition has been lodged in the Bombay High Court challenging the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai’s (BMC) recent decision to allow a pigeon‑feeding zone in Mulund. The case, filed by Sagar Devre, argues that the move violates a prior court ruling that not only closed existing pigeon co‑ops but also barred the creation of new feeding areas until an expert committee submits a comprehensive report. If the court sides with the petitioner, the BMC could be forced to halt the Mulund plan and reconsider the broader initiative.

Background and Context

For years, Mumbai’s pigeon population has been a double‑edged sword. While some residents enjoy feeding the birds as a pastime, pigeons have become a public health and environmental nuisance, breeding respiratory diseases and littering city streets. In October 2023, the BMC proposed a “controlled feeding” strategy to curb pigeon overpopulation and reduce health risks. The plan earmarked four sites across the city – including a location on Old Airoli–Mulund Check Naka – for scaled‑down feeding operations between 7 am and 9 am daily.

However, earlier this year the Bombay High Court struck down the BMC’s earlier attempt to open a permanent pigeon feeding zone on Worli Reservoir, citing the lack of an expert report and the possibility of ecological imbalance. That ruling also stipulated that no new feeding zones could be created until the committee’s findings are submitted.

Under the new proposal, the Mulund zone is situated along a busy traffic corridor and adjacent to a designated flamingo enclave, raising concerns about cross‑species interaction and potential contamination of a protected habitat.

Key Developments

Petition Filed: Sagar Devre, a resident activist, filed a full‑length intervention application on 19 November 2025. He claimed the BMC acted under political pressure and that the Mulund site was “dangerously close to a flamingo zone.”

• Four proposed feeding sites – Worli Reservoir (G‑South), Mangrove area near Lokhandwala Back Road (K‑West), Creekside at Old Airoli–Mulund Check Naka (T‑Ward), and Gorai Maidan (R‑Central).
• Feeding hours restricted to 7 am–9 am to reduce public exposure.
• BMC’s letter to the court (dated 31 October) cites “scientific backing” for the zones but lacks the mandated expert report.

High Court Response: The Bombay High Court has scheduled an oral hearing for 15 December 2025. The bench has emphasized adherence to its earlier directive, noting that any deviation risks exposing the public to health hazards.

Public Health Data: Mumbai Metropolitan Region Health Authority reports a 15% rise in pigeon‑associated respiratory ailments since 2022. The BMC’s own survey indicates that around 38% of residents in Mulund engage in pigeon feeding, often neglecting proper hygiene.

Impact Analysis

This legal tussle reverberates beyond urban wildlife management. For residents and visitors, the ruling could mean:

• Health Precautions: If the feeding zone proceeds, authorities must enforce stringent sanitation protocols. Conversely, a court‑mandated halt will reduce exposure to droppings that harbor pathogenic microbes.
• Urban Planning: The Mulund zone’s proximity to a flamingo habitat spots the intersection of animal conservation and civic amenities. A decision could reshape how Mumbai balances wildlife corridors with human recreational spaces.
• Tourism and Lifestyle: International students and expatriates living in Mumbai often participate in city‑wide cultural activities, including pigeon feeding. The outcome may influence perceptions of Mumbai’s environmental stewardship, affecting student choices for local internships and community engagement.
• Economic Factors: The BMC’s proposed polling stations at the feeding sites could divert traffic during peak feeding times, impacting local businesses. A court ruling might compel the corporation to devise alternative arrangements.

Expert Insights and Practical Tips

Public Health Consultant Dr. Ritu Sharma: “Pigeons can transmit histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis. The community must wear masks and ensure hands are washed before and after feeding.”

Urban Ecology Specialist Prof. Anil Mehta: “Feeding sites threaded near ecological reserves must have buffer zones. A 300‑meter separation is recommended between pigeon habitats and protected flora.”

For residents and international students, here are actionable steps:

• **Avoid Direct Contact:** Refrain from crouching near the feeding zones. Keep a safe distance to reduce droppings exposure.
• **Use Protective Gear:** If you must feed pigeons, wear gloves and a mask. Dispose of food waste responsibly.
• **Stay Informed:** Follow BMC notifications and local health advisories for updates on the High Court decision.
• **Engage in Civic Dialogue:** Attend BMC public hearings or submit formal comments through their website to influence policy.
• **Explore Alternative Activities:** Consider visiting mangrove sanctuaries in Andheri West where feeding is prohibited, ensuring a safer, eco‑friendly outing.

Looking Ahead

The forthcoming hearing will likely confirm or reverse the BMC’s plan. If the court upholds Devre’s challenge, the BMC may be obliged to suspend all newly approved feeding zones pending the expert committee’s report. The municipal body will then need to re‑examine the initiative, possibly adopting a more comprehensive “pigeon adaptive management” strategy that balances public health with ecological sensitivity.

Conversely, if the court affirms the BMC’s authority, the corporation will probably seek to accelerate the committee’s work and publish transparent findings to assuage public concerns. This could set a precedent for other city councils grappling with similar wildlife‑urban interface issues, potentially sparking nationwide policy dialogues.

As Mumbai braces for the decision, stakeholders—from city officials to local communities—must engage in evidence‑based dialogue. While the outcome remains uncertain, the case underscores the need for clear, science‑driven urban wildlife policies in rapidly growing megacities.

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