Bengaluru: The city is split vertically over the health department’s guidelines restricting pigeon feeding to designated locations between 7am and 9am. While apartment associations have welcomed the move, bird-lovers have sought a more balanced approach.Resident welfare associations argued that feeding zones in common areas often attract large flocks, leading to droppings on balconies, window sills, and terraces, raising concerns over hygiene, maintenance, and health. “Senior citizens, in particular, feed pigeons. Over the years, we have educated residents about the health concerns and installed pigeon nets across common areas. We also have volunteers who alert us. The problem has reduced considerably,” said Prabhu Patil, president of Rohan Vasantha Apartments in Marathahalli.Residents said controlling pigeon feeding within apartment premises is part of the solution. “Some people step outside the complex gate and feed the birds, and the pigeons eventually fly back into the apartment. That’s where the authorities need to step in,” said Sameera Bharadwaj, a resident of Prestige Lake Ridge in Uttarahalli.RWAs said the latest circular brings clarity, but stops short of prescribing specific penalties for violations.Members of the Jain community, many of whom feed birds as part of their religious practice, said the govt should balance public health concerns with compassion towards animals rather than imposing stringent restrictions. “The govt should allow us to feed birds twice a day as they too need food and water. Feeding is an act of compassion. In many places, when feeding stops, those spaces simply become dumping grounds for garbage,” said Kailash Sanklecha, a community leader and regular pigeon feeder.Sajjan Raj Mehta, former president of Jain Yuva Sangathan, questioned whether sufficient scientific evidence exists to justify the restrictions. “The govt should first undertake a study establishing a direct link between pigeon feeding and public health before imposing such regulations,” he said.Pulmonologists said health risks are well documented. “Pigeon droppings and feathers contain bird proteins, dust and fungi that can become airborne and be inhaled. Repeated exposure can trigger hypersensitivity pneumonitis — or, bird fancier’s lung — causing persistent cough, breathlessness and lung inflammation. Many people still believe feeding pigeons is harmless, but the health consequences can be serious. Public awareness is, therefore, as important as regulation,” said Dr Ravindra Mehta, interventional pulmonologist and founder-director of Vaayu Chest & Sleep Specialists.
