In June and July last year, Mumbai saw large-scale protests regarding the BMC plan to shut down 51 kabutar-khanas across the city, citing health hazards and a rise in infectious diseases arising from feeding pigeons in open spaces in residential areas. While shutting these zones, BMC designated four spots in the suburbs and island city for controlled feeding of pigeons, inviting non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and activist groups to take permission from the civic body and maintain them, while feeding pigeons only at these spots at specific times in the early morning and night. However, four months after the BMC invited applications from citizen organisations to adopt these spots, it has not received a single application.

An official said, “This is now an old issue. Not a single organisation has come forward. The spots were chosen by BMC, trying to ensure all aspects of health, animal welfare, and respecting the sentiments of all impacted by the decision were considered. Hence, the spots were chosen in accessible locations but not near residential areas. Since no one has come forward with an application, the issue has not moved forward.” The official added, “The matter is sub judice.”