New Delhi: A public interest litigation has been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking a ban on the practice of feeding pigeons at public places and intersections in Delhi. The petition says that large numbers of pigeons gathering at one place cause filth, and microscopic particles released from their feathers and droppings can pose a risk to public health.
The petition, filed by advocate Vaibhav Kumar, has made the Delhi government, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), Delhi Police and related agencies parties to the case. The petitioner has sought a ban on unauthorised feeding of pigeons in public places, regular cleaning of such sites and action against those violating the rules.
According to the petition, pigeon droppings and feathers accumulate on roads, footpaths and intersections. After drying, fine particles can spread into the air during cleaning and may be inhaled by people. This can cause problems particularly for children, the elderly and people already suffering from lung diseases.
The petition also cites a pilot study published in January 2025 by the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at Delhi University’s Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute. The study found proteins linked to pigeon droppings in dust samples collected from the homes of 18 patients suffering from hypersensitivity pneumonitis. The disease can cause inflammation in the lungs and, in serious cases, permanent damage.
The petitioner has urged the court to issue effective guidelines to protect public health. At present, the matter concerns the demands raised in the petition; no final judicial order has been passed banning the feeding of pigeons in public places.
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