BNHS Releases Documentary To Raise Awareness On Health Risks Posed By Pigeons
BNHS Releases Documentary To Raise Awareness On Health Risks Posed By Pigeons
Mumbai: Pigeons are a common sight in urban areas, often seen flocking around beaches, parks, sidewalks, and places of worship. However, their increasing population is now raising serious health concerns. In response, the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), in collaboration with JSW, has released a documentary titled “Mercy Feeding: Pigeon Menace in Urban Areas” to spread awareness about the issue.
The documentary, launched by JSW’s Sangita Jindal in the presence of BNHS President Praveen Pardeshi, highlights how excessive feeding of pigeons has contributed to their uncontrolled growth in cities. Experts warn that pigeon droppings and airborne dust from their feathers can lead to respiratory illnesses and lung infections. Additionally, pigeon droppings can carry harmful pathogens, increasing the risk of infections.
While legal restrictions prevent culling, BNHS emphasizes that the most effective way to control the pigeon population is to reduce food availability. The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has also suggested that limiting food supply would naturally regulate their reproduction cycles, curbing their population growth.
BNHS urges citizens to take pigeon-related health risks seriously and avoid feeding them to help control both diseases and the increasing pigeon population in urban areas.Bombay Natural History Society in its statement shared, “Feeding pigeons may seem like a kind act, but did you know it poses serious health, environmental, and civic risks? From spreading diseases like Histoplasmosis, Psittacosis, and Salmonella to damaging historic monuments and disrupting biodiversity and ecosystems, uncontrolled pigeon feeding is a growing concern in Indian cities.”
The video states:Â
- The hidden health risks of pigeon droppings
- How overfeeding leads to overpopulation and dependency
- The damage caused to buildings and public spaces
- Eco-friendly alternatives to support urban birds responsibly
BNHS is leading conservation efforts through research, education and advocacy. We are not against pigeons, we are against mercy feeding, it added.
