Mumbai News: BMC collects ₹61,900 in 3 weeks as pigeon feeding fines at 49 different areas

In response to state directives, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has expedited its crackdown on pigeon feeding at kabutar khanas across Mumbai. Between June 19 and July 12, the civic body imposed fines totalling ₹61,900 across 114 cases in 49 different locations. Notably, ₹55,700 of this amount was collected after July 3.

The highest number of cases were recorded in H-West (Bandra West) and G-North (Dadar) wards, with 16 cases each and fines of ₹8,000 and ₹7,700 respectively.

While the revised Solid Waste Management By-laws (2006) prescribe a fine of ₹500 for pigeon feeding, social workers believe that it is insufficient. They advocate for a minimum penalty of ₹1,000, citing growing health risks, particularly respiratory illnesses, caused by pigeon droppings in densely populated areas such as Lokhandwala. 

Meanwhile, BMC submitted an action report to the Maharashtra government on Monday detailing ongoing enforcement and fine collection.