The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has completed installing transparent acrylic sheets around Dadar Kabutarkhana to prevent hawkers from occupying the premises illegally. The Grade-II A heritage structure has remained closed for pigeon feeding for more than a year amid concerns over public health.
Previously, the enclosure was covered with metal sheets. However, civic officials discovered that hawkers were removing these coverings and using the space to store their merchandise. To address the problem, the civic body opted for transparent acrylic panels that would protect the premises from encroachment while keeping the heritage structure visible.
Yogesh Desai, assistant municipal commissioner of the BMC’s G-North ward, confirmed the completion of the work.
“We have completed the installation work. The structure will be strictly monitored to ensure that no one enters it,” Desai said.
The civic body initially sealed Dadar Kabutarkhana in August 2025, citing health concerns associated with uncontrolled pigeon feeding. The decision triggered protests from people opposed to the restrictions.
During the same month, at least 500 protesters reportedly breached bamboo barricades, removed plastic netting and scattered grain inside the feeding enclosure. The incident occurred despite directions from the Bombay High Court asking the BMC to register first information reports (FIRs) against individuals violating pigeon-feeding restrictions at kabutarkhanas and other public places.
The installation of acrylic sheets is intended to prevent further unauthorised access while maintaining the visibility of the historic structure. Civic officials have also indicated that the enclosure will be monitored to ensure that the new barriers are not tampered with.
The development comes amid continuing debate over pigeon feeding in Mumbai, with authorities raising concerns about the potential health effects of large pigeon populations in densely populated neighbourhoods. At the same time, the kabutarkhana remains a recognised heritage landmark, making its preservation an important consideration for the civic administration.
The BMC’s latest measures seek to protect the premises from illegal occupation while maintaining restrictions on pigeon feeding at the site.
Source: Times of India
