Mumbai: Days after protesters tore down the tarpaulin covering at Dadar Kabutarkhana, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday reinstalled the cover by erecting tarpaulin sheets over bamboo sticks. Mumbai Police also set up barricades around the premises to prevent citizens from feeding pigeons.

A senior civic official said that the covering was done as per Bombay High Court (HC) directions, which prohibit pigeon feeding at the site. “The structure will remain covered until the court decides the next course of action, The cover was reportedly put up early on Monday to avoid clashes and that the BMC has asked Mumbai Police to maintain a presence in the area.

Riot Control Police Deployed At Kabutarkhana

On Sunday, an unusual scene unfolded at the Kabutarkhana as Riot Control Police were deployed to prevent violence. This came after Saturday’s incident when a man, identified as Mahendra D. Sanklecha (55) of Gazdar Street, Chirabazar, drove up with a food grain tray mounted on his car roof to feed pigeons.

Local residents stopped him, leading to heated arguments. Sanklecha reportedly claimed that 12 more cars with similar grain trays were on their way. Following a complaint by Sandesh Vikram Matkar (57), a junior supervisor from BMC’s G-North ward, Shivaji Park Police registered an FIR against Sanklecha.

Kabutarkhanas are open public spaces traditionally used for feeding pigeons, a practice deeply rooted in local culture and religious sentiment. The Dadar Kabutarkhana, built in 1933 and managed by a local trust, has long been a hub for bird enthusiasts and religious communities.

BMC Action After Bombay HC Directive

The BMC’s action follows the Bombay High Court’s July 30 order directing authorities to curb illegal and defiant pigeon feeding in public areas, particularly in Dadar West, due to health hazards such as fungal infections and respiratory problems. The HC also instructed the formation of an expert committee to assess the issue and, if in agreement with the BMC, suggest alternative arrangements for the pigeons. Civic officials have hinted that controlled, staggered feeding may be allowed depending on the committee’s recommendations.

The High Court will hear the Advocate General for Maharashtra and other parties on the committee formation on August 13. Meanwhile, the Marathi Ekikaran Samiti has called for a major protest at Dadar Kabutarkhana on the same day, demanding strict enforcement of the feeding ban and closure of kabutarkhanas.