Pigeon Feeding Guidelines by Dept of Health & Family Services GoK
- The CJ Memorial Trust
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
On 23 July 2026 the Dept of Health & Family Services GoK issued a strict circular (attached below) on pigeon feeding in Karnataka . It’s a rather long and detailed note so we thought we would summarise under basic issues , context, rights and responsibilities of concerned stakeholders.
Here is a summary and contextual analysis of the directive issued by the Health & Family Welfare Services, Government of Karnataka, regarding the regulation and prohibition of feeding pigeons in public places.
Context: Compassion, Religious Feeding, Public Health, and Open Spaces
Cultural & Religious Context: Feeding birds and animals is widely practiced across India as an act of compassion, charity, or religious duty. However, when left unregulated in urban public spaces, mass feeding leads to unnatural congregations of pigeons (rock doves).
Public Health Risks & Disease Growth: Rapid growth in the pigeon population creates severe environmental and health hazards. Prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and floating feathers is linked to critical respiratory illnesses, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis and irreversible lung damage, posing high risks to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing lung conditions.
Open Spaces & Public Parks (e.g., Cubbon Park): To safe guard public health and preserve urban biodiversity, the directive explicitly mandates that designated feeding areas must be located away from public parks, lakes, residential areas, schools, and hospitals. Open spaces like Cubbon Park are strictly excluded from being feeding grounds to prevent environmental nuisance and bird overcrowding.
Key Provisions & Duties Under the Directive
1. Duties of Local Authorities
Statutory Enforcement: Authorities such as the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and Municipal Corporations are empowered under the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, 2024 and the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act, 1976 to prevent the spread of dangerous diseases.
Designation & Relocation: Local authorities must identify, inspect, and approve feeding areas in consultation with stakeholders. They hold the power to relocate, modify, or permanently close any designated spot if it poses a health hazard, nuisance, or aviation safety risk.
Public Awareness & Signage: Authorities must execute public awareness campaigns via banners, signboards, and digital messages highlighting health hazards, alternative humane bird conservation methods, and penalties for non-compliance.
Aviation Safety Coordination: Authorities must ensure no designated feeding zones are established near airports to prevent wildlife hazards to aircraft, in alignment with DGCA guidelines.
2. Responsibilities and Obligations of Feeders / NGOs
No Unregulated Public Feeding: Citizens are prohibited from feeding pigeons on footpaths, roads, terraces, balconies, or open public/private spaces where it creates a public nuisance or health risk.
Mandatory NGO Oversight: Feeding is only permitted if an authorized NGO or charitable trust takes full responsibility for the site.
Strict Feeding Conditions:
Timing: Restricted exclusively between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM.
Approved Feed Only: Only approved grains may be offered. Cooked food, food waste, or bread are strictly prohibited.
Sanitation & Upkeep: The managing NGO must execute daily removal and scientific disposal of droppings and waste, maintain complete sanitation, and address public complaints immediately.
3. Rights & Considerations for Walkers and the Public
Right to Health & Clean Environment: Citizens and park visitors (such as walkers) have a right to clean, safe, and hygienic public spaces free from biological hazards, droppings, and lung irritants
.
Nuisance Mitigation: Residents' associations and walkers are protected against unchecked feeding that obstructs pedestrian movement or creates respiratory health risks.
Grievance Redressal: Citizens have the right to lodge complaints regarding unregulated pigeon feeding, which local authorities and authorized NGOs are legally bound to address.
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