Mumbai: The G-North ward of the BMC demolished the illegally constructed storage inside Dadar's kabutar khana and also confiscated around 25 packets of food grains weighing 50 kgs each, which were stored to feed the pigeons. The action came after the state government's instructions to act against 51 kabutar khanas in Mumbai, which have become an health hazard.

"We have taken actions as per government's instructions. The birds will continue to return untill there is complete stoppage of feeding at the spot. The total closure of the kabutar khana is possible only after citizen stop feeding the birds and accordingly we are implementing enhanced campaign to create awareness," said G-North ward office Vinayak Vispute.

"It is not about the good gesture of feeding the birds, but the health and environmental hazards the pigeon droppings cause. For next few days we will continue to monitor the Dadar kabutar khana to ensure there is no pigeon feeding activity," Vispute said.

The BMC officials say the action against the kabutar khanas was started from Dadar as it has the biggest pigeon feeding spot and gradually it will be taken against rest 51 pigeon feeding spots across the city.

The kabutar khana at Dadar has been an iconic location for decades. However, from last few months there have been several complaints by the residents of respiratory illnesses caused due to pigeon poop and air pollution due to the feathers. A campaign to close Dadar's kabutar khana was launched by MNS' Environmental wing in February.

"It is our win that we could save lives for people who could have affected with lung disorders. We had received several complaints of respiratory issues due to excessive pigeon feeding and flocking. The feeders feed the pigeons and leave, it is the residents in the nearby buildings who suffer," said Jay Shringarpure from MNS.

The matter was raised in the legislative council on Thursday by Shiv Sena MLC Manisha Kayande, who also highlighted the studies linking pigeon droppings and feathers to lung infections and respiratory illnesses. Answering to Kayande, industries minister Uday Samant said that there are total 51 pegion feeding locations in Mumbai and the government will tell BMC to immediately shutdown the locations.

As per sources, there was no written order issued by the state government go act against the Kabutar kahanas, and the BMC ward office action upon proceedings in the legislative council. Some of other pigeon feeding spots in Mumbai are in CSMT, Santacruz, Andheri and Girgaum chowpaty among areas.