Bombay High Court Appoints Expert Committee to Assess Health Risks of Pigeon Feeding

The Bombay High Court has formed a 12-member expert committee to evaluate the public health impact of feeding pigeons in Mumbai’s kabutarkhanas (public pigeon-feeding areas).

A bench of Justices G.S. Kulkarni and Arif Doctor noted it lacks medical expertise to adjudicate such matters and sought expert insights.

The committee includes public health officials, pulmonologists, microbiologists, and veterinary experts, and will assess whether pigeon feeding can continue in designated zones under regulation.

A public notice will invite stakeholders’ input, and the panel is expected to deliver its findings within a month of its first meeting. The court continues its interim order, allowing controlled feeding requests subject to committee guidance. It will hear the application next on September 10.