Maharashtra’s pigeon-feeding ban stirred debate in Hyderabad, where residents took to social media urging similar action
Flocks descending in a flutter is all too common in Hyderabad. Despite a ban on pigeon feeding in public parks, enforcement remains lax in the city. Every morning, pigeons gather in large numbers at hotspots like KBR Park, Charminar, Tank Bund, and Begumpet, where the practice continues unchecked. The issue worsened last week when the Maharashtra government declared pigeons ‘dangerous’ and imposed a blanket ban on feeding them across Mumbai. The move sent ripples through Hyderabad, prompting many residents to take to social media, urging local authorities to follow suit.
“It’s a daily battle…”
Residents across the city say they’re struggling to live with the consequences. “We installed anti-roosting spikes all over our balcony and still find pigeons nesting in hidden corners,” says Kalyani Addepalli, who lives in Moosarambagh. “Their droppings stink, and it’s a nightmare to clean every day. My kids are constantly coughing. I’m genuinely worried about our health.” Syamala Kambhampati, a resident of Kompally, shares the same feeling.
Public health emergency in the making
What may seem like a nuisance to some is, in fact, a ticking health time bomb, warn experts. “Pigeons are not harmless,” says Dr Vijay Kumar, senior pulmonologist at Apollo Hospitals. “Their droppings, feathers, and the dust around them can carry fungi like Cryptococcus and Histoplasma, which are known to trigger serious lung diseases.”
He warns that prolonged exposure can lead to pigeon breeder’s lung or even end-stage lung disease. Hyderabad must act before the situation worsens. “We need a city-wide policy, install nets in all apartment buildings, enforce the feeding ban strictly, and keep pigeons at a distance. Once lung damage sets in, there’s no turning back. This is not just about allergies — it’s a public health emergency in the making.”
Birds are meant to forage naturally
Prof. K Purushotham Reddy, a noted environmentalist, warns that the issue goes far beyond immediate health risks and could even spark the next pandemic.“Feeding pigeons is not compassion, it’s disruption,” he says. “Birds are meant to fly free and forage naturally. But when we interfere with their behavior and encourage artificial dependence, we destabilize urban ecosystems.” He believes this cycle of overcrowding and human-induced dependency is dangerous.
Boards aren’t enough, we need action
Civic activist Vinay Vangala says public apathy is a major hurdle. “Despite the ban on pigeon feeding, the practice continues openly in areas like KBR Park, Charminar,” he says. “It’s not just an eyesore but a serious public nuisance. GHMC must penalise violators and run continuous awareness campaigns. Boards aren’t enough, we need action.”
