Delhi MCD Proposes Ban on Pigeon-Feeding Spots to Curb Rising Health Risks

New Delhi: Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is considering a proposal to ban pigeon-feeding spots across city, citing potential health risks posed by overpopulation of se birds.

Popular feeding areas, typically seen on pavements, roundabouts, and ro intersections, could soon be shut down if proposal was approved.

Municipal Corporation of Delhi officials said that plan is still in its early sts, and an visory is expected soon. 

Health Risks Tied to Pigeon Droppings

proposal aims to dress health risks associated with pigeon droppings, which can harbour pathogens such as Salmonella, E. Coli, and influenza. se pathogens can exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma and le to severe allergic reactions.

Expert Insights on Respiratory Threats from Pathogens

"When pigeons gar in large numbers, ir droppings and fear fluttering create a breeding ground for various pathogens, particularly fungal spores like cryptococci. Inhaling se spores can le to serious respiratory issues, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis, asthma, and even severe fungal pneumonia in individuals with conditions like diabetes.

For transplant patients, exposure can be life-threatening," said Dr Ushast Dhir, Director and He of Department of Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

Direct Impact on Residents and Nearby Areas

"Areas where pigeons are frequently fed also attract bacteria such as Salmonella and E. Coli, increasing health risks t only in se spots but also in nearby residential areas, putting children, elderly, and ors at risk of lung infections and allergic reactions." 

Medical Cases Reflect Increased Health Incidents

According to Dr Meet Ghonia, a resident doctor at National Institute of TB and Respiratory Diseases, "Pigeons can le to hypersensitivity pneumonitis, which may cause subsequent inflammation and fibrosis of healthy lungs in rmal individuals. We are seeing many cases ways in our OPD. Chief complaints are cough and difficulty breathing." 

He said, "Symptoms will increase day by day with pigeon exposure. In early sts, if we can start treatment along with avoidance of pigeon exposure, n it may be helpful to avoid furr complications. But in later sts, this will le to fibrosis of both lungs and eventually, it will be fatal." 

Survey and visory Plans in Key Areas

MCD officials said proposal involves surveying existing feeding spots and issuing an visory to discour practice, which has become a common sight in several areas, including Chandni Chowk, Kashmere Gate, Jama Masjid, and India Gate.

Focus on Public Health Protection

y emphasised that initiative aims to protect public health and reduce risk of respiratory and or diseases linked to pigeon droppings.

"We are t against presence of pigeons, but issue arises when y gar in large numbers and ir droppings accumulate in specific areas," an MCD official said.

This creates a health hazard, especially for children, elderly, and those with respiratory conditions," y said. 

(With PTI inputs)