Local health authorities and civic bodies in Bengaluru are addressing a growing public health issue linked to large populations of urban pigeons and their droppings, which experts say may contribute to respiratory symptoms, infections, and environmental contamination.
Following increased complaints from medical professionals and residents, the Karnataka Health Department and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) officials are proposing a directive to ban pigeon feeding in public areas and strengthen sanitation measures citywide.
The move follows reports that bird “nuisance areas,” particularly around parks, bus stops, markets, and public buildings, are witnessing accumulation of pigeon droppings, a situation that has raised concerns among health practitioners about potential lung problems and spreading pathogens.
Urban pigeon populations produce large volumes of fecal droppings that can accumulate on sidewalks, building facades, vehicles, and other surfaces. While pigeons are often perceived as harmless city birds, health professionals note that their droppings can:
Harbor fungal spores such as Cryptococcus and Histoplasma
Contaminate soil and dust particles
Exacerbate allergic conditions
Act as reservoirs for certain bacteria and parasites
When pigeon feces dry, their microscopic particles can become airborne and inhaled, potentially causing irritation and, in susceptible individuals, respiratory symptoms such as cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath. People with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or weakened immune systems are generally considered more vulnerable to environmental triggers.
Although direct scientific evidence linking pigeon droppings to specific lung infections in the general population is limited, infectious disease specialists and public health officials have long included pigeon guano among several environmental exposures capable of aggravating respiratory conditions — especially in dense urban settings.
City officials are suggesting various steps in recent weeks to address the issue:
Prohibition of pigeon feeding in public areas: Signage and outreach programs discourage residents from feeding pigeons in parks, bus stops, and municipal spaces to reduce bird congregation and waste accumulation.
Increased cleaning of hotspots: BBMP sanitation teams are reportedly tasked with frequent cleaning and removal of droppings from sidewalks, public benches, and building entrances.
Public awareness campaigns: Health education efforts aim to inform citizens about indirect health risks associated with dense bird populations and improper waste management.
These measures reflect a broader public health strategy to mitigate environmental contributors to air and surface contamination while balancing wildlife considerations.
Healthcare workers in Bengaluru’s clinics and hospitals have flagged rising visits for nonspecific respiratory complaints coinciding with visible increases in pigeon populations in several wards. According to reports, some clinicians have attributed seasonal exacerbations of cough, allergic symptoms, and bronchospasm in patients to environmental irritants including dust contaminated with bird droppings.
Political leaders including Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar acknowledged pigeon droppings as part of everyday urban life, and the government must concurrently ensure sanitation and address potential health concerns in a timely manner but informed no decision has been made to ban the pigeon feeding yet.
The situation mirrors actions taken in other Indian cities such as Mumbai, where municipal authorities prohibited feeding pigeons at some locations to limit overcrowding, faecal buildup, and associated sanitation complaints. Similar ordinances and public advisories have been issued in global urban settings grappling with avian population control, environmental hygiene, and cityscape maintenance.
Bengaluru’s initiative to ban pigeon feeding and enhance environmental sanitation reflects growing recognition of nontraditional contributors to public health risk, particularly in expanding urban centers. While definitive scientific links between pigeon droppings and specific lung diseases remain an area for further research, municipal responses emphasize precautionary public health measures combined with community cooperation.
(Rh/TL)
