Addressing Pigeon Pollution: A Necessary Step For Urban Health and Preservation
As soon as winter arrives, pigeon fanciers become active in the old urban areas of Agra. Noise, uproar, whistles, and other sounds are heard from the morning itself. The population of pigeons has increased considerably in the residential areas of Lucknow. Some of the good species are domesticated and kept in coops on the roofs of houses. However, the majority are common pigeons, which have become a new threat.
Health activists are now demanding an immediate ban on feeding pigeons in closed urban areas and keeping or flying pigeons on the roofs of houses in narrow streets. The hobby of keeping pigeons is increasing in many cities of UP. People regularly feed the pigeons, leading to a tremendous increase in their numbers. This has put other bird species, such as sparrows, mynahs, cuckoos, parrots, and crows, under threat, which is a matter of concern.
Doctors say that feeding pigeons in urban spaces poses serious health risks. Pigeon droppings carry bacteria such as histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis, which can cause respiratory problems, lung diseases, and other illnesses. In enclosed spaces, airborne bacteria spread quickly, worsening conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. Additionally, fleas, ticks, and mites found in pigeons can cause diseases such as typhus and Lyme disease. Rats attracted to pigeon droppings increase the risk of diseases such as leptospirosis and hantavirus. Excessive pigeon populations also promote disease transmission.
In the case of the Mysore Palace, the ban on feeding pigeons is a well-thought-out measure aimed at preserving the beauty of the site and ensuring a pleasant experience for visitors. Similarly, in Agra, many apartment societies have installed traps or other deterrents to manage the pigeon population.
Agra-based environmentalist Dr. Debashish Bhattacharya says, “The authorities need to ban pigeon feeding and implement effective waste management strategies. Public awareness campaigns can also help.”
Last month, the practice of feeding pigeons near the Sri Hanumanji Temple, opposite the Maharaja's palace in Mysore, was banned. Initially, there was mild opposition, but when the health concerns were explained, pigeon fanciers supported it. The feeding of pigeons in urban areas has become a serious issue in historic and densely populated areas such as Mysore and Agra.
While many people love to watch these birds and enjoy feeding them, the consequences of this seemingly harmless activity can lead to public health and environmental challenges. Often seen as urban pests, pigeons can cause quite a nuisance in enclosed spaces. They flock to places where food is available, causing congestion and noise. Their feces, which can be abundant at feeding sites, create an unsightly mess.
Beyond the noise and nuisance factor, the presence of pigeons in urban areas raises serious public health concerns. In crowded urban environments, especially with high pedestrian traffic, the risk of infection increases. Pigeon droppings contain uric acid, which can corrode buildings and contribute to the degradation of structures, especially in architecturally rich historical places such as the Mysore Palace. Pigeon droppings can accumulate on rooftops, balconies, and other sheltered areas, leading to structural damage and increased maintenance costs.
The traps and other deterrents installed in apartment societies in Agra reflect a growing recognition of these challenges. While they may seem like an invasive solution, they are often necessary to protect both human residents and architectural integrity. Banning pigeon feeding may seem drastic, but it is essential to view it through the broader lens of urban wildlife management. It is not necessarily about eliminating pigeons; rather, it is about finding a harmonious balance between existing communities and wildlife. In situations where food sources are abundant, pigeon populations can grow, causing major problems. Many people who enjoy feeding pigeons are unaware of the potential consequences.
As urban environments continue to develop, the need to responsibly manage wildlife becomes even more important. In places such as Mysore, Agra, and Lucknow, where the surrounding historical and cultural significance is paramount, proactive measures—such as banning feeding and implementing preventative measures—are increasingly seen as necessary steps. By banning the feeding of pigeons in enclosed urban spaces, we are taking an essential step toward ensuring public health, preserving historical integrity, and ultimately promoting a more harmonious urban environment.