MCD planning to propose ban on pigeon feeding spots in Delhi over health concerns

New Delhi: The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is exploring a proposal to ban pigeon-feeding spots across the city due to health concerns associated with a high pigeon population.

Common pigeon-feeding areas, often found on pavements, roundabouts, and road intersections, might be closed if the proposal is approved.

MCD officials noted that the plan is in its initial stages, with an advisory expected soon. The proposal aims to address health risks linked to pigeon droppings, which can carry pathogens like Salmonella, E. Coli, and influenza.

These pathogens can worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma and cause severe allergic reactions.

Dr. Ushast Dhir, Director of the Department of Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, explained the health concerns: "When pigeons gather in large numbers, their droppings and feather fluttering create a breeding ground for various pathogens, particularly fungal spores like cryptococci. Inhaling these spores can lead 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."

Dr. Meet Ghonia from the National Institute of TB and Respiratory Diseases added, "Pigeons can lead to hypersensitivity pneumonitis, which may cause subsequent inflammation and fibrosis of healthy lungs in normal individuals. We are seeing many cases nowadays in our OPD. Chief complaints are cough and difficulty breathing. Symptoms will increase day by day with pigeon exposure. In the early stages, if we can start treatment along with avoidance of pigeon exposure, then it may be helpful to avoid further complications. But in later stages, this will lead to fibrosis of both lungs and eventually, it will be fatal."

The MCD proposal involves surveying current feeding spots and issuing an advisory to dissuade the practice, prevalent in areas such as Chandni Chowk, Kashmere Gate, Jama Masjid, and India Gate.

Officials stressed that the initiative aims to safeguard public health by reducing the risk of respiratory and other illnesses linked to pigeon droppings.

"We are not against the presence of pigeons, but the issue arises when they gather in large numbers and their droppings accumulate in specific areas," an MCD official noted. "This creates a health hazard, especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions," they added.