Are Pigeons Making You Sick? Why Mumbai Is Closing All 51 'Kabootar Khanas'

Last Updated:July 07, 2025, 13:39 IST

While often seen as harmless, pigeons can carry and transmit several zoonotic diseases, those that can jump from animals to humans, through their droppings, feathers, or mites

Civic health experts recommend taking proactive steps to pigeon-proof homes and workplaces in Mumbai. (PTI Photo)

The Maharashtra government has ordered the immediate shutdown of all 51 ‘Kabootar Khanas’ (designated feeding zones for pigeons) across Mumbai, citing serious public health risks associated with pigeon droppings and feathers. The move comes following a heated debate in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, where multiple lawmakers warned of the dangers posed by continued pigeon feeding in public spaces.

Raising the issue on Thursday, July 3, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Manisha Kayande described the city’s kabootar khanas as a public health menace, stating, “Footpaths have turned into pigeon nests. Their droppings and feathers are a direct threat to residents’ respiratory health," she said. She cited a study published in the Indian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, which links exposure to pigeon feces with severe lung diseases.

Supporting her claim, BJP MLC Chitra Wagh added an emotional appeal, revealing that her own aunt died due to a respiratory illness allegedly caused by long-term exposure to pigeon droppings.

Responding on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde, Minister Uday Samant confirmed the government’s decision. There are 51 active pigeon-feeding zones in Mumbai. Instructions are being sent to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to begin an immediate phase-out and launch a citywide awareness campaign within a month, he told the House.

He added that unauthorised feeding zones have already been dismantled in areas like Santacruz East, Daulat Nagar, and Santacruz West. In their place, the BMC has developed traffic islands and Miyawaki-style micro-forests.

Dadar’s ‘Pigeon House’ Reopened After Protest

Samant admitted that despite efforts to curb pigeon feeding, resistance from locals remains strong. He cited the example of Dadar’s iconic kabootar khana, which was shut for two days but reopened following public outcry and spontaneous feeding activity by residents.

The minister also noted bizarre trends in feeding patterns. At Girgaon Chowpatty, some pigeons have even developed a taste for pizza and burgers, he said, highlighting how human interference has altered their natural behaviour.

What Makes Pigeons Dangerous?

While often seen as harmless urban wildlife, pigeons can carry and transmit several zoonotic diseases, those that can jump from animals to humans, through their droppings, feathers, or mites. These include:

1. Histoplasmosis: A fungal lung infection caused by inhaling spores from dried pigeon droppings.
2. Cryptococcosis: Another fungal disease affecting lungs or the central nervous system.
3. Psittacosis (Parrot Fever): A bacterial infection that can cause severe flu-like symptoms and pneumonia.
4. Salmonellosis: Caused when pigeon droppings contaminate food or surfaces with Salmonella bacteria.
5. Allergic Alveolitis (Pigeon Breeder’s Lung): Chronic exposure to bird proteins can trigger serious allergic lung reactions.
6. Parasites: Pigeons can harbour mites and ticks that transfer to humans or infest buildings.

The respiratory effects can be especially severe in children, the elderly, or those with asthma. According to medical experts, symptoms can range from chronic coughing and shortness of breath to long-term lung damage if exposure is repeated and prolonged.

Environmental Damage And Cleanup Costs

Beyond human health, pigeon droppings, rich in uric acid, can corrode metal, damage buildings, statues, and even car paint. Accumulated droppings on walkways also create slipping hazards, and the cost of cleaning these areas has become a financial burden for civic authorities.

Pigeon nests in ventilation systems and roof spaces further contribute to mold growth and unhygienic conditions in both residential and commercial buildings.

What You Can Do If Pigeons Roost Near You

Civic health experts recommend taking proactive steps to pigeon-proof homes and workplaces:

• Seal openings in attics, vents, and balconies to block nesting.
• Use spikes, nets, or sloped surfaces to deter birds from landing.
• Reflective materials like old CDs or rotating mirrors can help repel them.
• Avoid feeding pigeons directly, and clean up leftover seeds if you feed other birds.
• Secure garbage bins and keep pet food indoors.
• When cleaning droppings, always wear gloves and a mask. Moisten the droppings to prevent dust, and use disinfectant. Never vacuum dry droppings without a HEPA filter.
• For heavy infestations, consult professional bird-control services.

Pigeon feeding is a long-standing tradition in Mumbai, associated with religious merit and community bonding. For decades, kabootar khanas have served as meeting places for the devout and the elderly. But with the rising awareness of zoonotic risks and urban sanitation, authorities appear determined to curtail the practice, despite likely opposition.

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