Bombay High Court Seeks Expert Opinion on Health Risks from Kabutarkhanas, Cites Lung Disease Concerns

The Bombay High Court has asked a senior pulmonologist to assess health hazards linked to pigeon droppings at public feeding areas called Kabutarkhanas. This comes amid petitions challenging the BMC’s move to dismantle these areas.

The court stressed that public health takes priority over feeding rights, citing links between pigeon exposure and severe lung diseases like hypersensitivity pneumonitis. A doctor from KEM Hospital has already submitted medical evidence.

The Court directed a detailed review and set August 7 for the next hearing. Meanwhile, it banned the use of firecrackers to disperse pigeons during the interim period.

[Gunvatrai Maganlal Shah v State of Maharashtra & Ors]