Feeding Birds Harmful Food? Mumbai Imposes Fines; Check What’s Banned And The Penalty Inside

It is illegal to feed birds harmful foods such as bread, rice, farsan, shev, wafers, and pol at tourist spots, parks, and water bodies, as per a report by Lokmat. Feeding birds food that is not suitable for their digestive system can endanger their health and even their lives.

In Mumbai, many citizens have been feeding such foods to birds at places like beaches, windowsills, and galleries. Bird lovers have raised concerns, stating that this practice threatens the wellbeing of birds and should be stopped.

According to the same report, Vijay Awasane, a nature enthusiast, explained that the harmful practice of throwing sacks of hair and hairnets at seagulls began a few years ago at Chowpatty. Since then, a ban on feeding birds has been enforced, and forest guards have been permanently deployed to monitor the area. However, some passengers on boats to Alibaug and Elephanta Cave continue to feed food to seagulls, disregarding the ban.

Posters have been displayed on all boats to inform passengers that feeding birds unsuitable food is illegal. Despite this, violations continue to occur. Those caught feeding birds unapproved food face a fine of ₹500. They will be allowed to go after signing an undertaking promising not to repeat the act.

Experts also warn against feeding pigeons and crows foods like grains, rice, khakra, wafers, crackers, and Chinese rice cakes, as these foods are harmful to the birds.

Harmful Foods For Birds

• Bread: Lacks essential nutrients, causes digestive issues.
• Rice: May cause digestive problems and malnutrition.
• Shev: High in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
• Pol: An unbalanced food lacking necessary nutrients.

What Does The Law Say?

Feeding birds foods that aren't part of their natural diet can lead to severe health issues. According to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the Indian Forest Act, 1980, feeding harmful or artificial substances to birds is prohibited.

Consequences Of Feeding Harmful Food To Birds

• Malnutrition due to an unbalanced diet
• Digestive problems
• Weakened immune system
• Potential death of the bird

Penalties For Violating The Law

Violating these rules can result in a fine of up to Rs 25,000 and/or imprisonment for up to three years.

Popular Bird Watching Spots In Mumbai

• Airoli Creek
• Thane Creek
• Bhandup Pumping Station
• Mangrove Forest at Powai Lake
• Seawoods Flamingo Point
• Savory Flamingo Point
• Karnala Bird Sanctuary
• Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Birds play a vital role in our ecosystem, and it is essential to protect them by respecting the laws in place and ensuring they are fed only appropriate foods.