Members of the Jain community gathered in large numbers at the iconic Dadar Kabutarkhana on Wednesday to protest against the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) move to cover the site with tarpaulin sheets. Community members removed the coverings, expressing strong opposition.

The BMC had covered the Kabutarkhana on Sunday following a Bombay High Court observation that feeding congregations of pigeons amounts to public nuisance and poses health risks. The court had directed the civic body to file FIRs against individuals engaging in pigeon feeding.

In response to the growing debate, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday stated that the “abrupt” closure of kabutarkhanas across Mumbai was not advisable. He emphasised the need for controlled feeding of pigeons, balancing environmental protection, bird welfare, and public health.