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 the open. This directive comes after the society invested Rs 12,000 to install specialized pigeon nets at its back gate, a move that has garnered widespread support from the community.
Health Hazards and Property Damage Prompt Action
The primary driver behind this initiative is the severe health and sanitation crisis linked to pigeons. The AOA president, HD Singh, highlighted that pigeon droppings are not just a nuisance but a serious public health threat. These droppings can lead to fungal diseases, severe allergies, and lung infections. The AOA revealed that some residents are already suffering from lung issues directly connected to the pigeon population.
Beyond health, the financial and aesthetic costs are mounting. Pigeon waste causes significant damage to building exteriors, including paint, balconies, window grilles, and vehicles parked in open spaces. "Residents expressed frustration over the upkeep costs, as many paid extra for car cleaning services to remove pigeon waste," stated Singh.
Legal Backing and Call for Civic Action
The society's concerns are backed by legal precedent. The AOA pointed to judgments from the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court, which have previously emphasized the dangers associated with feeding pigeons in public areas. To tackle the root cause, the AOA has urged the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation (GMC) to intervene. They demand action against individuals selling bird feed on government land, a practice they say fuels the pigeon problem. "These sellers need to be removed as they endanger public health for their profit," Singh asserted.
However, civic action seems slow. Despite similar complaints from residents in neighbouring areas like Indirapuram, Vasundhara, and Raj Nagar Extension, authorities have not taken concrete steps. When contacted, Dr. Ashish Tripathi, veterinary doctor and welfare officer of GMC, informed that the city currently has no policy to stop the public feeding of pigeons. He clarified that only after the GMC board approves such a policy can it be implemented.
Medical Expert Warns of Zoonotic Disease Risks
Dr. Tripathi provided a grave medical warning, detailing the risk of chlamydiosis (psittacosis or ornithosis), a bacterial zoonotic disease. The infection primarily spreads to humans when they inhale dust from dried pigeon droppings or respiratory secretions from infected birds. Symptoms are flu-like, including 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," he cautioned.
The issue is not confined to Ghaziabad. In Noida, residents report that public pigeon feeding is rampant, with spots like the Dalit Prerna Sthal near Cleo County Society in Sector 121 and various residential markets identified as prime locations for the practice. The installation of nets in Skytech Magadh Society stands as a community-led effort to address a growing urban and health challenge where broader policy is still absent.
