Pune: PMC Increases Awareness Efforts Against Feeding Pigeons in Public Spaces Over Health Risks
Pune: PMC Increases Awareness Efforts Against Feeding Pigeons in Public Spaces Over Health Risks
Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has launched a stricter campaign to stop the feeding of pigeons and other birds in open areas due to growing concerns about associated health risks. Despite earlier warnings, many residents continue to scatter grains in public spaces, contributing to health problems caused by pigeon droppings and feather dust.
Medical experts have highlighted the dangers, noting that exposure to pigeon droppings can cause respiratory conditions such as hypersensitivity pneumonia, asthma, and fungal infections. Prolonged exposure may even lead to severe lung damage or failure. Health officials are alarmed by a rise in respiratory illnesses, which they attribute in part to the unchecked feeding of pigeons in the city.
While the PMC previously appealed to residents to stop feeding birds in public areas and warned of fines, the practice persists in several locations, including Bibvewadi’s Dolphin Chowk on Swami Vivekananda Road. Ironically, designated bird-feeding zones set up as part of beautification efforts have only exacerbated the problem in some areas.
In a renewed effort, the PMC’s Health Department has begun installing awareness boards across the city, urging citizens to avoid feeding birds in open spaces. The corporation has also reiterated its warning of penalties for those caught dumping grains on roads.
“Pigeon droppings and feather dust contain harmful particles that can lead to serious lung infections when inhaled,” a PMC health official explained. “We are appealing to citizens to act responsibly and help reduce these health risks.”
The PMC’s campaign includes public education about the dangers of feeding birds in open areas and stricter enforcement of regulations. Residents in affected neighborhoods are hopeful that these measures will help mitigate the problem and protect public health.
