Pune: PMC Starts Imposing ₹1,000 Fine for Feeding Pigeons in Public Spaces

Pune, December 06, 2024: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has intensified its efforts to address the growing public health concerns associated with feeding pigeons in open areas. Citizens caught feeding pigeons in public spaces will now face a fine of ₹1,000, as part of a citywide campaign to curb the practice.

On Thursday, PMC officials conducted an operation in Ward No. 15, Narayan Peth, near Mavale Hospital. During the operation, a resident (name withheld) from Kasba Peth was fined ₹1,000 for feeding pigeons. The officials also confiscated sacks of grain being used for feeding and issued a warning against repeated violations.

Deputy Commissioner of the Solid Waste Department, Sandeep Kadam, confirmed that similar actions are being carried out across the city. The operation in Narayan Peth was spearheaded by Senior Health Inspector Mahendra Sawant, along with team members Syed, Bhau Kadam, Sudam Sawant, and Dattatray Badambe.

Rising Health Concerns

The PMC has raised alarms over the exponential increase in the pigeon population and its link to public health issues, particularly respiratory diseases. Experts warn that dust from dried pigeon droppings and feathers can exacerbate asthma, allergies, and even lead to hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a serious lung infection. According to PMC data, 65% of individuals diagnosed with lung infections in the city have hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by exposure to micro-organisms from pigeon droppings and feathers.

Fungal spores and bacteria in pigeon droppings also pose risks to individuals cleaning public spaces. Despite these health dangers, the practice of feeding pigeons continues in parks and open areas, further aggravating hygiene and health problems.

Public Awareness Campaign

To combat this issue, the PMC has launched an awareness campaign by installing banners across the city, urging residents to refrain from feeding pigeons in public spaces. The civic body has also highlighted the health risks associated with pigeon droppings and feathers in public notices near pigeon-feeding spots.

A previous plan to create designated feeding areas in Bibewadi was shelved following objections from residents. Instead, the PMC has opted for strict enforcement of fines and penalties, along with public awareness initiatives, to deter the practice.

The PMC appeals to citizens to cooperate in making Pune a cleaner and safer city by avoiding activities that contribute to public health hazards.