Citing serious public health concerns, the Karnataka government has issued a detailed circular directing urban local bodies to regulate and, where necessary, prohibit the feeding of pigeons in public places across the state.
In a U.O. Note issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department, the government said uncontrolled pigeon feeding has led to large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and growing health hazards, particularly respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers.
The circular notes that medical experts have warned of conditions such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases, which can cause severe and sometimes irreversible damage. Children, the elderly and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions are considered especially vulnerable.
Legal backing cited
The government has invoked provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhitha, 2023, including:
- Section 270 (Public nuisance),
- Section 271 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life), and
- Section 272 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life).
It has also referred to powers available under the Greater Bengaluru Authority Act, 2025, and the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act, 1976, which mandate municipal bodies to prevent the spread of dangerous diseases and ensure public health and sanitation.
The circular also draws reference to directions issued earlier by the Bombay High Court in a similar matter, following which the Greater Mumbai Corporation had framed regulatory measures to curb pigeon-related nuisance.
Key directions issued
The Urban Development Department has been requested to issue suitable directions to the Greater Bengaluru Authority and all municipal corporations. The main guidelines include:
- Complete ban on pigeon feeding in areas where it causes public nuisance or health hazards.
- Feeding allowed only in designated areas, selected in consultation with stakeholders and managed in a controlled manner.
- Limited feeding hours to be specified for designated locations.
- Upkeep responsibility of designated feeding areas to be assigned to charitable organisations or NGOs.
- Strict enforcement, including on-the-spot warnings, fines, and prosecution under Sections 271 and 272 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhitha for violations.
Awareness campaigns planned
Local authorities have also been instructed to conduct public awareness campaigns through signboards, banners and digital messages, highlighting:
- Health risks associated with pigeon droppings and feathers,
- Details of regulatory directions and penalties, and
- Alternative, humane bird conservation practices that do not endanger public health.
The circular, approved by the Hon’ble Health and Family Welfare Minister, calls for immediate implementation of these measures by all urban local bodies.