Why pigeons are significant for public health managers

On July 3 this year, the Maharashtra government ordered the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) of Mumbai to immediately shut down all 51 kabutarkhanas in the city, citing health hazards arising out of pigeon droppings and feathers. The BMC subsequently banned public feeding of pigeons, leading to legal challenges in the Bombay High Court. The Court did not stay the order, but said a committee of experts could study if the old kabutarkhanas should continue, while stressing that “human life is of paramount importance”. The Corporation’s decision, however, triggered opposition from sections of the Jain and Gujarati communities who consider feeding pigeons a daily act of compassion.

The disagreement has moved beyond civic hygiene to questions of health communication, faith, and evidence. Large cities create stable conditions for pigeon colonies. Continuous feeding at kabutarkhanas and open markets ensures an uninterrupted food supply for pigeons. Modern buildings provide nesting ledges and shaded ducts. The absence of predators and the surplus food grain availability further support survival. In densely-populated neighbourhoods, this output accumulates on rooftops, ducts, balconies, and public squares. The droppings dry into fine dust and are dispersed through the air or during cleaning. The organic matter in them supports bacterial and fungal growth.

source:thehindu.com