New rules imposed on feeding pigeons in Bengaluru due to health hazards. Now feeding in public places is prohibited. This can be done only from 7-9 am, at designated places by registered NGOs.
Bengaluru: Keeping in mind the health of the people, the Health Department of Karnataka has taken a big step. The department has issued new guidelines regarding feeding pigeons in Bengaluru. There was growing concern about the increasing population of pigeons in the city and the health hazards posed by their droppings and feathers. For this reason, the authorities have banned feeding pigeons in those public places where it may endanger people’s health or cause inconvenience to them. The aim of these new rules is to reduce respiratory diseases spread by pigeon droppings and feathers. Besides, it is also to be ensured that feeding is done in a clean and controlled manner. The Greater Bengaluru Authority and local bodies have been directed to strictly implement these guidelines across the city.
Pigeon droppings and feathers pose a health threat
According to the Health Department, fine particles spread in the air from pigeon droppings and feathers can cause serious respiratory diseases. These include pneumonia, allergies and other lung related diseases. Children, the elderly and people who already have respiratory disease are considered to be most at risk. The department says that due to uninterrupted feeding of grains, the population of pigeons has increased, due to which these health risks have also increased. For this reason there was a need to make strict rules.
New rules for feeding pigeons in Bengaluru
The Health Department has issued these guidelines for feeding pigeons across the city:
Permission to feed grains only at designated places
It is prohibited to feed pigeons on roads, footpaths, parks and any private place where there is a risk to people’s health or safety. Feeding will be allowed only at those places as decided by the local authorities.
fixed feeding time
Even at designated places, pigeons can be fed only between 7 am and 9 am.
Responsibility handed over to registered NGO
Only registered non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or charitable organizations will be able to do the work of feeding pigeons. These institutions will also be responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of these places and resolving people’s complaints.
Advice for apartment and home owners
People living in apartments and residents’ associations have been advised not to put excessive amounts of feed on rooftops, balconies or around houses, as this increases the crowd of pigeons and also the risk of diseases.
Complete ban near the airport
There has been a complete ban on setting up pigeon feeding stations around the airport. This has been done so that there is no impact on flight safety and airport functioning due to birds.
Plan to run awareness campaign
To effectively implement these guidelines, local bodies have been instructed to run awareness campaigns through banners, information boards and digital platforms. Through these campaigns, people will be informed about the health hazards of feeding pigeons and encouraged to follow the new rules.
The aim is to protect people’s health
The Department of Health has said that these guidelines are intended to strike a balance between animal welfare and public health. By controlling feeding rather than allowing it everywhere, officials want to reduce the risk of respiratory diseases and improve sanitation across Bengaluru.