Mumbai Stir: Over 500 Jain Protesters Rally Against BMC Action at Dadar Kabutarkhana Over 100-Year-Old Religious Site
Over 500 members of the Jain community protested in Mumbai against the BMC’s action at the 100-year-old Dadar Kabutarkhana, calling it an attack on religious sentiments and heritage
Members of the Jain community gathered in large numbers at the iconic Dadar Kabutarkhana on Wednesday to protest against the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) move to cover the site with tarpaulin sheets. Community members removed the coverings, expressing strong opposition.
The BMC had covered the Kabutarkhana on Sunday following a Bombay High Court observation that feeding congregations of pigeons amounts to public nuisance and poses health risks. The court had directed the civic body to file FIRs against individuals engaging in pigeon feeding.
In response to the growing debate, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday stated that the “abrupt” closure of kabutarkhanas across Mumbai was not advisable. He emphasised the need for controlled feeding of pigeons, balancing environmental protection, bird welfare, and public health.
Chairing a meeting on the issue, Fadnavis suggested that any action taken must be accompanied by compassionate alternatives to prevent harm to the birds. “Saving the lives of pigeons, protecting the environment, and securing citizens’ health — all three are important,” he said. Until a sustainable alternative is in place, he directed the BMC to allow regulated feeding at these sites.
The Chief Minister also proposed the formulation of a formal policy to define where and when pigeons may be fed safely. He called for a scientific study involving experts to examine the health impacts of pigeon droppings and to explore technical solutions for cleaning and waste disposal.
Fadnavis noted that he had discussed the matter with former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi and stressed that the state would consider moving to the Supreme Court, if required, to ensure a balanced resolution. He also urged the BMC to explore the establishment of dedicated aviaries with appropriate maintenance systems.
Meanwhile, the BMC reported that between July 13 and August 3, it had taken action against 142 individuals for feeding pigeons at various kabutarkhanas across Mumbai, collecting fines totalling Rs 68,700. Of these, 51 violations were recorded at Dadar Kabutarkhana alone, resulting in Rs 22,200 in penalties.
Other hotspots for violations included Daulat Nagar (Santacruz), Bandra Talao in the H-West ward, and the T ward in the eastern suburbs. The city currently has 44 kabutarkhanas, with the highest concentration in the P-North and P-East wards (five each), followed by four each in the K-West ward and D ward of South Mumbai.
The Bombay High Court, in its recent ruling, reiterated that mass feeding of pigeons constitutes a public health hazard and a nuisance, directing the civic body to initiate legal action against offenders. However, in a prior hearing last month, the court had restrained the BMC from demolishing heritage kabutarkhanas but clarified that it could not permit pigeon feeding at such sites.
Mumbai witnessed a wave of religious sentiment and civic dissent on Tuesday as over 500 members of the Jain community gathered in protest against the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) recent action at the iconic Dadar Kabutarkhana, a revered religious and cultural site for the community. The move by the civic body has sparked outrage among community leaders, who termed it a violation of religious rights and an attack on a heritage site that has existed for over 100 years.
The protest was triggered by the BMC’s recent removal of structures and feeding platforms at the Dadar Kabutarkhana, citing health and sanitation concerns. Officials claimed that the pigeon-feeding platforms — traditionally maintained by the Jain community as part of their religious practice of “Jeev Daya” (compassion for all living beings) — were obstructing pedestrian movement and contributing to unsanitary conditions.
However, community members argue that the civic body’s action was done without consultation and disrespects their religious traditions, which include feeding birds as a key part of their daily spiritual duty.
The Dadar Kabutarkhana is not just a physical structure; it is a symbol of Jain philanthropy and reverence for life, having served as a bird-feeding zone for over a century. Located near Dadar railway station, it has long been managed by Jain trusts and devotees who maintain cleanliness and ensure a consistent food supply for pigeons and other birds.
“This is not just a kabutarkhana; it’s a sacred space for our community. It embodies our principle of non-violence and care for every living being,” said Mahavir Shah, a spokesperson for the protesting group.
The protest drew over 500 people, including monks, nuns, senior citizens, and youth from various parts of Mumbai and suburban areas. Protesters gathered peacefully with banners that read “Stop Hurting Our Faith” and “Respect Religious Heritage”.
Chants of “Jeev Daya Amar Rahe” (Long live compassion for all life) echoed through the streets near Dadar station as protesters demanded that the BMC immediately halt any further action at the site and restore the removed structures.
The community also submitted a memorandum to local BMC officials and political representatives, urging them to recognize the religious and cultural significance of the kabutarkhana and work towards a mutually respectful solution.
In response, a senior BMC official stated, “The action was taken based on complaints about hygiene and obstruction. We respect all communities and are open to dialogue, but public health cannot be compromised.”
The civic body emphasized that they are not targeting any community but are working to maintain cleanliness and order in public spaces, especially high-footfall zones like Dadar.
Several political figures and religious leaders have voiced support for the Jain community. MLAs and corporators from different parties have called for restraint and dialogue. “Religious harmony is the foundation of Mumbai’s culture. No action should hurt any community’s sentiments unnecessarily,” said one local legislator.
