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00:00Remember that iconic Bollywood song, Kabootar Jaa?
00:04It was meant as a sweet message of love, sending a pigeon as a messenger.
00:09But in 2025 Mumbai, it's taken on a whole new meaning.
00:14The Maharashtra government isn't just singing the tune, they have made it real.
00:18With a bold new band on pigeon-fearing spots across Mumbai.
00:23It's now officially Kabootar Jaa and don't ever come back.
00:26But why such a drastic step?
00:28What made the humble pigeon go from the love messenger to public health enemy number one?
00:34Let's find out.
00:35Every day across Mumbai, thousands of people feed pigeons as places called as Kabootar Khanas.
00:41For many, it's a tradition, a religious act or simply a moment of joy.
00:47But this seemingly harmless practice has a darker side.
00:50Hello and welcome, I am Gaurang and you are watching Lokmat Times.
00:54Do like, share and subscribe to our channel if you haven't already.
00:58In July 2025, the Maharashtra government took a bold step.
01:03Banning pigeon-fearing at 51 designated spots across Mumbai.
01:07So the question now is, why?
01:09So let's dive into the reasons and what this means for the city.
01:14Pigeons, often called at the rats of the sky, may look harmless.
01:18But their droppings and feathers are linked to serious health risks.
01:22The Maharashtra government prompted by growing complaints and health concern directed by the
01:28Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation or the BMC to shut down all pigeon feeding points known
01:34as the Kabootar Khanas.
01:36This decision was announced during the monsoon session of the Maharashtra Legislative Council
01:41on July 3rd by Urban Development Minister Udai Saman.
01:46Following concerns raised by Shiv Sena MLC, Manisha Kayande and BJP MLC Chitra Vag,
01:53who shared a personal experience where she had to loss a close family member due to the pigeon-related issue.
01:59So why was the ban necessary?
02:02Pigeon droppings and feathers carry bacteria, fungi and parasites that can become airborne when dry.
02:09Inhaling these particles can lead to severe health issues, especially in dense populated cities like Mumbai.
02:16The BMC and health experts have reported a surge in respiratory illness linked to pigeon feeding,
02:22with a five-fold increase in cases of disease like hypersensitivity pneumonitis over the past decade.
02:30These feeding spots also cause traffic congestion and hygiene issues,
02:34making them a public health and urban management challenge.
02:38So the pigeons can spread up to 60 diseases, some of which are life-threatening.
02:43Here's a few key ones.
02:45Hypersensitivity pneumonitis,
02:47a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling pigeon droppings or feather dust,
02:52leading to lung inflammation and scarring.
02:56This can also be irreversible damage.
02:58Symptoms include persistent cough, breathlessness and fever.
03:03Then there is another disease called as Cryptocococcus,
03:07which is a fungal infection that starts in the lungs and can spread to the brain.
03:12Another addition to the list of fatal diseases is Cytocosis,
03:15a bacterial infection causing flu-like symptoms and some pneumonia.
03:21Moving ahead,
03:22Histopalamosis can also be a fatal one.
03:25It's another fungal infection that can lead to severe lung issues.
03:30These risks are especially high for the people with pre-existing lung conditions,
03:34weakened immune systems and children and also the elders.
03:38Doctors have warned that prolonged exposure can lead to irreversible lung damage,
03:43with some patients requiring lifelong oxygen support.
03:47The band targets 51 designated Kabutarkhanas across Mumbai.
03:51Some prominent ones include Dadar's Kabutarkhana near the Dadar Railway Station,
03:56a historic spot built in 1933 already targeted for demolition of illegal structures.
04:02The list also includes Girgao Chowpati, GPO Kabutarkhana near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus,
04:10Matunga Railway Station, Marine Drive, where feeding at places like Parsi Jimkhana has caused hygiene issues.
04:16Widly sea phase where also joggers have slipped on the pigeon feed and droppings.
04:20The BMC is also cracking down on unofficial feeding spots on footpaths, traffic islands and public spaces across the city.
04:29The ban has sparked missed reactions.
04:31Many residents like those in Khar and Andheri welcome the move,
04:35citing cleaner streets and better health.
04:37RTI activists and residents have long fought against the concession and health risks caused by these spots.
04:43However, bird lovers and some religious groups who see feeding pigeons as a sacred act are upset.
04:50Animal welfare organizations argue that the ban could harm pigeons and are planning to appeal to authorities like the Animal Welfare Board of India.
04:59The BMC has emphasized that the ban will only succeed if residents stop feeding pigeons and cooperate with awareness campaign.
05:07So now, what's next?
05:08To enforce the ban, the BMC is launching a month-long awareness campaign to educate people about the health risks of pigeon feeding.
05:17Fines of Rs. 100 to Rs. 500 are already in place for feeding pigeons in non-designated areas.
05:24Experts recommend practical steps to stay safe.
05:27Wear N95 masks and gloves when cleaning droppings.
05:31Dampen droppings before cleaning to avoid airborne particles.
05:34They also suggest install pigeon nets on balconies and windows.
05:38Avoid feeding pigeons to reduce their population naturally.
05:42The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission has also taken a note,
05:46demanding reports from the BMC and Health Department to ensure action is taken.
05:51Mumbai's pigeon problem is a human-made issue.
05:55And it's up to us balance compassion for birds with public health.
05:59Mumbai's taking a step towards healthier, cleaner future.
06:02By stopping pigeon feeding, we are not just protecting our lungs,
06:06but also rethinking on how we coexist with the urban lifestyle and wildlife.
06:11Let's work together to make Mumbai safer for everyone, humans and birds alike.
06:16Stay informed, stay healthy.

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