Bengaluru: Think twice before scattering grains for pigeons outside your home, on the terrace, or at the neighbourhood park. Karnataka has introduced a new set of rules on where and when these birds can be fed.Health commissioner Gurudatta Hegde Thursday issued a circular, directing Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and other municipal corporations to allow pigeon feeding only at designated zones managed by authorised NGOs, between 7 am and 9 am, and away from airports.For residents, the circular means pigeon feeding should no longer take place on roads, footpaths, medians, apartment terraces, balconies or rooftops. Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) have also been told to discourage mass pigeon feeding in residential areas.The bylaws state that these NGOs will be responsible not just for managing feeding activities, but also for maintaining hygiene and public safety at the designated feeding areas. These organisations must ensure scientific disposal of pigeon droppings, feathers and leftover feed daily, prevent overcrowding of pigeons, and keep the premises clean.Signboards must be installed, displaying feeding time, permitted feed, health advisories and contact details of the NGOs.The health department has also prohibited the use of cooked food, bread and food waste for feeding pigeons. Only approved grains or feed must be used.It has warned that dried pigeon droppings and feathers can release airborne particles associated with respiratory conditions and lung diseases, particularly affecting children, the elderly and those with pre-existing respiratory illnesses.The latest bylaws follow an earlier health department order issued in Dec 2025 to regulate rampant pigeon feeding.Points for infogfx:FEED CODE* Feeding hours: 7 am-9 am* Allowed at: Designated feeding zones* Permitted feed: Grains only; no bread or cooked food* Barred locations: Near airports, on roads, terraces, balconies, parks
