The Apartment Owners Association (AOA) of Skytech Magadh Society in Vaishali's Sector 3, Ghaziabad, has issued a strong appeal to its residents: stop feeding pigeons in open areas. This directive comes after the AOA took a concrete step by installing specialized pigeon nets at a cost of Rs 12,000 to deter the practice in public spaces within the society.
Health and Sanitation Concerns Take Center Stage
The primary driver behind this move is the severe health and sanitation crisis posed by the growing pigeon population. AOA President HD Singh highlighted that pigeon droppings are not just a nuisance but a serious public health threat. They can lead to fungal diseases, severe allergies, and lung infections. The AOA revealed that some residents are already suffering from lung issues directly linked to the pervasive presence of pigeons.
Veterinary doctor and GMC welfare officer, Dr. Ashish Tripathi, elaborated on the dangers. He warned of chlamydiosis (psittacosis or ornithosis), a bacterial zoonotic disease. It spreads to humans when they inhale dust from dried pigeon droppings or respiratory secretions from infected birds. The illness causes flu-like symptoms such as fever and cough and can escalate to pneumonia. "Vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, young children, and immunocompromised individuals, are at a higher risk for more severe illness," Dr. Tripathi cautioned.
Beyond Health: Property Damage and Financial Burden
The problems extend far beyond health. The AOA detailed the extensive material damage caused by the corrosive droppings. Building paint, balconies, window grilles, and vehicles parked in open areas suffer significant deterioration. Residents expressed frustration over the additional upkeep costs, with many forced to pay extra for frequent car cleaning services to remove the waste. The installation of the nets at the society's back gate received strong community support, with most residents welcoming the decisive action.
A Call for Broader Administrative Action
The AOA has now turned its focus to the root cause of the increasing pigeon numbers in the area. They have urged the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation (GMC) to address the issue of individuals selling bird feed on government land. "These sellers need to be removed as they endanger public health for their profit," said President HD Singh. However, Dr. Tripathi indicated a policy gap, stating that currently, there is no GMC policy to stop the public feeding of pigeons. Any action would require a formal policy approval from the GMC board first.
This issue is not isolated to Vaishali. Residents in neighboring areas like Indirapuram, Vasundhara, and Raj Nagar Extension have raised similar concerns, but authorities have yet to take action. The problem is also rampant in Noida, with locations like Dalit Prerna Sthal near Cleo County Society in Sector 121 and various residential markets identified as prime spots for pigeon feeding.
