Karnataka Imposes Ban on Feeding Pigeons in Public Areas Over Health Concerns
Karnataka government bans pigeon feeding in public places citing health risks from droppings and feathers.
The Karnataka government has announced a ban on pigeon feeding in public spaces, citing serious health risks linked to bird droppings and feathers, including respiratory infections. The move comes as uncontrolled feeding has led to swelling pigeon populations and growing public health concerns in urban centres.
The Health and Family Welfare Department has directed the Urban Development Department to ensure municipal authorities implement the ban effectively. Feeding pigeons will now be prohibited in areas where it causes public nuisance or poses a health risk. Designated feeding zones, if any, must be managed only by recognised NGOs or charitable organisations.
Authorities will also enforce restricted feeding hours to limit large gatherings of birds, aiming to reduce potential transmission of diseases. Strict enforcement measures include on-the-spot warnings, fines, and prosecution under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which allows penalties for actions likely to spread infectious diseases.
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The government’s note cited the precedent set by the Bombay High Court, which led the Greater Mumbai Corporation to seal pigeon-feeding enclosures to curb public nuisance. Local laws, including the BNS 2023, the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) Act 2025, and the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act 1976, empower authorities to act decisively to maintain public health.
While officials stress that safety and hygiene are the primary motivators for the ban, the policy is expected to spark debate among animal lovers and those who view pigeon feeding as a cultural or religious practice. Authorities have urged citizens to cooperate while emphasising public health as the priority.
The Karnataka government also plans awareness campaigns to educate residents about the dangers of uncontrolled pigeon feeding and to promote responsible bird interaction in designated zones, aiming to balance wildlife care with urban health standards.
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