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Delhi Cites Health Risks in Pigeon Feeding Ban
20 Apr
Summary
- NDMC issued 76 challans for pigeon feeding, citing unsanitary conditions.
- Pigeon droppings can cause lung diseases and fatal infections in humans.
- Mumbai also banned pigeon feeding last July due to severe health hazards.
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has initiated a crackdown on pigeon feeding in public areas, issuing 76 challans since the start of 2026. This action is in response to a plea filed before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) highlighting the health hazards posed by pigeon proliferation and droppings. The NGT had previously sought details from civic bodies on actions being taken.
NDMC stated that challans are issued for creating unsanitary conditions, not specifically for feeding pigeons, to maintain public health. Prominent feeding points are also subject to regular cleaning. Pigeon droppings are linked to severe lung diseases like hypersensitivity pneumonitis and potentially fatal infections such as histoplasmosis.
Similar enforcement actions have been observed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), which issued 20 challans for nuisance and unhygienic conditions. Globally, pigeons are considered invasive, and feeding points can become disease hotspots. Mumbai also banned pigeon feeding in July of the previous year due to health concerns.
