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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is planning a facelift for Mumbai’s historic Dadar Kabutarkhana, nearly a year after the pigeon-feeding site was closed following restrictions on feeding pigeons in public spaces. The civic body proposes replacing the existing tarpaulin covering with transparent acrylic sheets, landscaping the surrounding traffic island, adding greenery and repairing adjoining pavement. The 1933-built Grade II heritage structure will retain its existing physical form, while the makeover is aimed at restoring its appearance and improving the surrounding public space.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is preparing to give Dadar Kabutarkhana a facelift nearly a year after the historic pigeon-feeding site was shut and covered with tarpaulin. The civic body has proposed replacing the temporary covering with transparent acrylic sheets and improving the surrounding area through landscaping, tree plantation and pavement repairs. The plan is intended to restore the landmark’s visual character while keeping the existing prohibition on pigeon feeding in place.
Located on a traffic island near Dadar railway station, the Kabutarkhana is among Mumbai’s longstanding pigeon-feeding sites. The structure was built in 1933 and is recognised as a Grade II heritage structure for its architectural and historical significance. Its heritage status means that the proposed intervention will focus on improving its surroundings and appearance rather than altering the character of the structure itself.
Under the BMC proposal, the tarpaulin currently covering the enclosure will be removed and replaced with transparent acrylic sheets. The new enclosure is expected to make the heritage structure more visible from the surrounding roads while continuing to prevent pigeon feeding within the site. Civic officials have clarified that the proposed work is primarily an aesthetic improvement and does not represent a reopening of the Kabutarkhana for its earlier use.
The proposal also includes landscaping the traffic island and introducing greenery around the structure. Repairs to the adjoining pavement are planned to improve pedestrian movement and make the immediate surroundings more usable. The BMC has indicated that the improvements could create a greener public space while helping the landmark regain a more presentable appearance after remaining largely unused and covered for several months.
The proposal has been sent to the civic ward committee for approval. Once cleared, the BMC is expected to undertake the beautification work. Senior civic officials have maintained that the physical structure itself will not be substantially altered because of its heritage value.
The redevelopment comes amid continuing debate over pigeon feeding in Mumbai. The site was closed after authorities acted on restrictions introduced following concerns over health risks associated with prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers. The BMC subsequently covered the structure to prevent feeding from resuming. The civic body's present proposal does not change that position, with officials reiterating that the pigeon-feeding ban will continue.
The Kabutarkhana also has cultural significance, having traditionally been associated with the practice of feeding pigeons as an act of jeev daya, or compassion towards living beings. The site has remained closely connected with the surrounding Jain community and Mumbai’s long-established Kabutarkhana tradition.
The facelift proposal follows calls for changes to the site, including demands to address congestion around the busy Dadar junction. However, the BMC’s current approach seeks to retain the heritage landmark while improving its surroundings rather than removing the structure.
If approved, the acrylic enclosure, landscaping and pavement improvements will give Dadar Kabutarkhana a new appearance while preserving its heritage identity and maintaining the restrictions on pigeon feeding.
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