Tell-All
We asked: In several congested localities of the state capital and even some other cities, people keep flocks of pigeons for commercial purposes. Since they are not vaccinated, they are a potential health hazard. Do you think pigeon keeping in city areas should be banned?
In August 2025, the tragic death of Sheetal Vijay Shinde in Pune, India, brought renewed attention to the health risks posed by pigeons. The 39-year-old succumbed to lung fibrosis caused by prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings, as reported by her father, former corporator Sham Mankar. This loss deeply resonates with me, as I, too, lost a friend to a similar fate, underscoring a growing concern: Are pigeons harmful when nesting near human settlements? Scientific evidence confirms they can pose significant health threats, particularly through their droppings and nesting habits. Pigeons, often perceived as harmless urban dwellers, carry pathogens that transmit diseases to humans. Studies highlight zoonotic risks, such as Cryptococcus neoformans in droppings, causing cryptococcosis—a potentially fatal lung infection when inhaled as dust. Histoplasma capsulatum in bird manure leads to histoplasmosis, a flu-like illness that can escalate to severe respiratory issues. Bacterial threats like psittacosis (chlamydia psittaci) and salmonellosis from contaminated faeces add to the risks. A global review found high prevalence of bacteria, viruses and parasites in pigeons, with urban areas amplifying transmission. In India, surveys in Kerala and Maharashtra identified bacterial microbiota in droppings, raising public health concerns in dense populations. The BBC notes that inhaling dust from dried droppings poses risks, especially to immunocompromised individuals. PubMed studies of 176 cases link feral pigeons to human illnesses, particularly among workers cleaning infested sites. When pigeons nest near homes, the danger intensifies. Nests on balconies, ledges or roofs accumulate droppings, feathers, and debris, fostering allergens and pathogens. Inhaled particles can trigger hypersensitivity pneumonitis ("pigeon breeder's lung"), leading to fibrosis, as in Shinde's and my friend's cases. Acidic faeces corrode structures, while nests attract mites and insects, worsening asthma and allergies. In crowded urban settlements, this proximity heightens infection risks, especially for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. Historically, humans have had a complex relationship with pigeons. The rock dove (Columba livia) was domesticated 5,000 to 10,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia for food, religious sacrifices and messaging. By 4,000 BCE, Egyptians used them in ceremonies and to signal Nile floods. Breeding for homing skills made them vital couriers in wars and trade, with European colonists introducing them to the Americas in the 1600s, leading to feral populations. Selective breeding for aesthetics began in the 16th century, creating fancy breeds. Ironically, our domestication efforts transformed them into urban pests. In conclusion, despite their historical significance, pigeons near human settlements pose proven health risks. Epidemiology and microbiology evidence support limiting nesting with humane deterrents like netting or spikes. Feeding bans, debated in Mumbai after Shinde's death, could reduce populations. Prioritising public health over sentiment, we must discourage cohabitation to prevent further tragedies like those affecting Sheetal, my friend, and countless others. - Preeti Giri Goswami, Ranikhet, Uttarakhand, is a Para Athlete(Para Swimmer, Captain Wheelchair Basketball Team, Motorsports) and a social activist from Kumaon
Domestication of animals and birds has certain limitations for megacities and metropolitan cities, where the average density of human beings per square kilometre is quite high. We have observed that to accommodate the population, high-rise buildings are more of a necessity than a fashion. In the capital of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, the ethnic city with a history of 100s of years, which has grown into a metropolitan city, pigeon raising was quite common in the old city area, where “kabootar-baazi” was a favourite pastime not only of nawabs but also of the common people. In this game, flocks of pigeons were shooed to go into the air, which would capture pigeons from another flock by calling them back, and in the melee, certain pigeons of another flock would get confused and would get captured by the previous flock. Lately, we have seen pigeons leading to various kinds of serious diseases in human beings, especially respiratory problems, which can become so acute that people may die. As we all know, the bird flu, which is common amongst poultry, is also a disease that may transfer to other bird species, including pigeons. Vaccinating the squab, the young pigeon, is one of the preventive measures where domestication is popular in certain areas, but awareness about it is negligible. It has also been observed that most of the multi-storied societies have peculiar problems where pigeons start living in possible shelters and with every passing year, their number grows in geometrical progression, because they feel safe from other predators and also get the food without much hardship. This is more common than anticipated and people get diseases because they are exposed to droppings, torn out feathers, etc., precariously. One of us (NS) was facing this problem as the dwelling unit is part of a high-rise building and several flat owners have shown symptoms of respiratory diseases. The problem with such a situation is that it is not easy to kick out the pigeons as they move around from one flat to another and eventually make noise throughout the day, leaving droppings in the balconies and, at times, lay their eggs in the exposed part of the building. It is noteworthy that once the pigeon starts inhabiting in flocks, they do not allow other species of birds like gauraiya, maina, seven-sisters , and many others, thereby destroying the natural bird biotope of the vicinity. We are of the firm view that, considering the habitat menace created by flocks of pigeons with an acute health hazard to human beings, pigeons should not be allowed in the first place to start inhabiting human society. In recent years, several pigeon-related diseases in humans have caused a fear syndrome and, therefore, pigeons should be allowed to live only in green belts and forested areas in a natural biotic realm. Modern technology should be used to drive out the pigeons. These technologies include ultrasonic repellers, where high frequency sound waves which are silent to human beings but irritating to birds can be effective. The others are sonic repellers, where simulating predator calls, such as those of hawks and owls, along with pigeon distress signals, can turn them out. A few others are like laser light, reflective surfaces, bird netting, bird spikes, electrified track, sloped covers, repellent gels and pastes, aromatic fog and vapour etc., can help in stopping the menace of pigeons. In Lucknow city, awareness programmes in the old city area, where pigeon raising is very common for entertainment purposes, need to be emphasised so that flock owners get their pigeons vaccinated in order to avoid the spread of diseases. -Namrata Singh, Department of Chemistry, and Dr Vibhuti Rai, Department of Geology, University of Lucknow
There are several species of pigeons found across the globe and in India, mainly divided into three main categories for simple understanding: wild, domestic and hybrid. Our topic would mainly revolve around the domesticated ones, which shall also include hybrid ones, to have a closer understanding of the issue and the ways of addressing it. Wild pigeons were domesticated thousands of years ago mainly for human use such as consumption, communication, transportation and even sports. Once a very intelligent species helping mankind, it is now having a tough time defending its existence, not because of the decline in population but population explosion. The species is giving a tough time to other species it shares spaces with, including humans, who facilitated its population explosion. Mankind could not handle its own actions in the race of development and evolution into a superpower species and pigeons are the living examples of this across the world. The most common pigeon species that we are discussing today is the Rock Pigeon or the Rock Dove, also known as the Blue Rock Pigeon, which has now almost turned into a pest due to its uncontrolled population and even hybridization, which is yet to be understood exactly. These species, along with some cousins and subspecies, have been crossbred by humans and also in nature and have now started being a painful species to be managed by nature in itself. Due to reasons like overbreeding, overfeeding and unscientific management, they have become a problem species in the naturally occurring food chain, which was supposed to function on its own. Due to our interference for our own greed, the time has come when we now have to intervene for our own good. We have been reading across news and media about the health issues humans are facing due to pigeon droppings and similarly about their impact on the other species we share spaces with, especially in cities. The population explosion of pigeons is far more serious than we think and can imagine and this is just the start of the very big disaster that is coming our way or has already entered the living space we are living in. The uncontrolled population of pigeons are now not in a situation where they can be naturally controlled and therefore a scientific plan of action and its execution is the need of the hour. Due to the development and habitat loss of other wild species, which could be a natural population control mechanism, the pigeons are out of order and have populated in extreme numbers, which has started affecting themselves as well as other living species around them. They are now competing with other smaller and similar species of birds in the race to survive by exhausting the limited resources, due to which we witness a decline in the number of such small and similar wild species. Similarly, due to excessive breeding and inbreeding, these species have now been seen and witnessed to be defective by their genetics, which has also hampered their natural instincts. Adding to these complications, especially in the urban landscapes where pigeon feeding and pigeon keeping are common, it is seen that these species are losing their natural instincts of survival and are now dependent on humans for food. Once an intelligent species used for communications and transport as an asset to mankind, pigeons are now fighting for their own survival, not by extinction, but overpopulation and even being a threat to human health. Today we see pigeons with genetic disorders, infections, diseases, obesity, lack of natural instincts to have reflexes, fetch their own food, travel distances, etc, which they once did so well. Welfare and compassion are feelings of responsibility backed by human values and science, but we are now doing it as per our convenience as a society. It is important to do what is necessary and required as per the requirements of the species and not what is easy for us. Naturally occurring species of birds are supposed to be independent and to help them, we need to save and maintain their spaces, which we call habitat and not interfere with nature, but intervene where required and necessary. Birds are supposed to find their own food, build their own nest and survive on their own. By installing feeders and nests, we are doing more bad than good, as we are manipulating their instincts of being dependent on something which they should manage on their own. Also, people have now made a business of pigeon keeping for purposes like sport, consumption, and pigeon feeding, exploiting religious faith and beliefs. Inbreeding and unscientific cross-breeding are leading to far more complex issues within the species and other species as well. Improper husbandry practices of keeping these species medically unchecked, not vaccinated, de-wormed and provided with necessary medical aid for building immunity is something which is totally ignored and peril ticking like a time bomb. We have not learnt from the mistakes of outbreaks of diseases like Avian Influenza, known as Bird Flu or Newcastle Disease, known as Ranikhet. Pigeons have created space for many more diseases and viruses of similar sort. Pigeon keeping is banned in many countries and the reason is not unknown. We need to learn from our mistakes before it is too late. Recent reports of humans being affected are enough to stress the need for regulation and prohibition of such activities, including a ban wherever necessary and required. -Adv. Pawan Satyaprakash Sharma, founder & president –RAWW (Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare). The writer has been actively involved in wildlife conservation and environmental protection activities and initiatives at individual and organizational levels. He has been a part of several government initiatives and policy-making tasks supporting wildlife conservation and animal protection. The views expressed are personal.
This is a complex public health and social issue. Pigeon droppings (faeces) are known to harbour various pathogens, including fungi and bacteria that can cause serious human diseases, especially in congested areas where the risk of airborne dust/spores is high. A bacterial disease transmitted through droppings or respiratory secretions can cause flu-like symptoms or severe pneumonia. The absence of vaccination and proper hygiene in commercial flocks also increases the potential for these birds to become disease reservoirs. Pigeon droppings are acidic and can cause significant damage to buildings, monuments and infrastructure. Large flocks can also create noise and unsanitary conditions. On the other hand, commercial pigeon keeping is a source of income for many people. A total ban would impact their livelihoods. In many places, feeding and keeping pigeons is a long-standing cultural or religious practice. A ban can lead to public opposition and non-compliance. Therefore, instead of a blanket ban, a more practical and effective approach often involves strict regulation and management, especially for commercial activities. Given the significant and well-documented public health risks, particularly the danger of severe respiratory illnesses like hypersensitivity pneumonitis in congested urban settings, commercial pigeon-keeping in severely congested city areas should be either banned or subjected to extremely rigorous and strictly enforced health and zoning regulations. A total ban across all city areas might be an overreaction, but a total ban on the practice in high-density, high-risk zones is justifiable on public health grounds. -Manoj Kumar Chaturvedi, bank employee and animal activist, Lucknow, UP
Urban life is already full of challenges like air pollution, traffic congestion and lack of open spaces. Adding to these issues, the practice of keeping pigeons in densely populated neighbourhoods has raised serious concerns. While pigeon rearing is an age-old cultural activity, in today's crowded cities it has turned into a potential public health risk, especially because most birds are neither vaccinated nor monitored by veterinary authorities. Pigeons are known carriers of several infections. Their droppings may harbour fungi and bacteria that can spread diseases such as psittacosis, cryptococcosis and histoplasmosis. These illnesses primarily affect the lungs and can be dangerous for children, senior citizens and people with weak immunity. Doctors also point out that continuous exposure to pigeon droppings may worsen asthma or cause long-term respiratory problems. What makes the matter worse is the lack of regulation. Unlike poultry farming, where health checks and vaccination are standard practices, pigeon keeping in cities remains largely unorganized. This neglect increases the risk of unnoticed outbreaks. During my discussion with Dr Minal S. Pawar, B.H.M.S., she highlighted that long-term exposure to pigeon droppings and feather dust could aggravate respiratory illnesses and may even trigger chronic lung conditions. Her medical insights confirm the need for urgent awareness and regulation in this matter. The problem is not just medical but also environmental. Pigeon droppings corrode buildings, deface monuments and dirty residential complexes. In crowded colonies, balconies and rooftops quickly become unhygienic due to uncontrolled flocks. Moreover, artificially boosting the pigeon population upsets the natural balance, often at the cost of other bird species that are already struggling to survive in cities. Still, pigeon rearing is not without significance. In many Indian communities, it is seen as a symbol of tradition, devotion and even livelihood. Families who raise pigeons for sports or commercial purposes view it as an inherited practice. Therefore, a sudden and complete ban would disregard cultural roots and affect small-scale economies. Instead of imposing a blanket ban, a practical solution would be stricter regulation:
1. Compulsory vaccination: All pigeons in city areas must be vaccinated and regularly checked.
2. Licensing: Only licensed keepers should be allowed, with a cap on the number of birds.
3. Relocation to open zones: Pigeons should be reared outside congested neighbourhoods, in rural or designated spaces.
4. Awareness programmes: Citizens should be discouraged from feeding pigeons in public areas to prevent overpopulation.
5. Urban safeguards: Measures like netting and pigeon-proofing should be applied in heritage sites and crowded localities.
In my view, pigeon keeping in congested city areas, in its current unregulated form, is unsafe and should not be allowed. However, an outright ban may not be the best answer, as it would overlook cultural practices and economic dependence. The middle path lies in strict regulation, mandatory vaccination and shifting the practice to safer zones. By doing so, we can protect public health while still respecting tradition. Ultimately, people's well-being must come first, but it is possible to achieve this without completely erasing cultural heritage. My interaction with Dr. Minal S. Pawar, B.H.M.S., who provided valuable medical reference points, further strengthened my opinion on the seriousness of this issue. As well said by Socrates, “I cannot teach anybody anything, I can only make them think”. -Prof Sunil R. Pawar, Lecturer in Electrical Engineering Department, K. K. Wagh Polytechnic Nashik, Maharashtra, India.
We have all seen pigeons around us; they are in our cities, like any other bird and animal. If you don't like these humble birds, blame the Europeans who brought many of them here centuries ago to raise, eat, and shoot for fun. Today's pigeons are descendants of the lucky ones who escaped captivity. These birds, like any other bird were meant to fly free. But behind this image of freedom lies a darker reality for many of these birds. Thousands of pigeons are kept in cramped cages, bred in miserable conditions and forced into kabutarbaazi — illegal competitions where owners pit their flocks against each other in long-distance flight contests. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, particularly Section 11(1)(m)(ii), criminalises inciting animals to fight with other animals (kabutarbaazi involves inciting groups of pigeons to compete). In the landmark 7 May 2014 judgment of Animal Welfare Board of India vs A Nagaraja & Ors (Civil Appeal No 5387/2014), the Supreme Court clarified that activities such as animal racing came within the purview of animal fights, as they involved forcing them into competitive and harmful situations, akin to incitement to fight with other animals. Pigeons feel pain and fear just like humans and they don't want to be captured, imprisoned or exploited as props in people's games. Pigeons used in kabutarbaazi are often confined in cramped, filthy cages and coops, resulting in stress and encouraging disease. During transportation, the birds are frequently packed tightly in wire cages or cardboard boxes, restricting movement, causing injuries and even suffocation. Pigeons used for such events are also often reportedly drugged with opium. There are different types of kabutarbaazi and pigeon racing events and can include forcing the pigeon to fly beyond the point of exhaustion. In Faisalabad, eastern Pakistan, a man reportedly burnt all his pigeons locked in a cage after they lost a kabutarbaazi competition. Gambling, a crime under the Public Gambling Act of 1867, is a key part of kabutarbaazi events. But this is not an isolated case of suffering. The same story plays out in India's meat industry, where chickens are kept in filthy sheds or tiny wire cages, unable to move or breathe freely. During transport, they, too, are crammed into overcrowded trucks without food or water, many dying before reaching slaughterhouses. Whether birds are used for entertainment or food, the underlying issue remains the same — treating living beings as disposable. On the other hand, feeding pigeons is a compassionate and long-standing tradition that can continue responsibly. PETA India has recently written to the chief minister of Maharashtra, urging measures to protect the public and the birds. PETA India proposed three simple steps: designating specific feeding hubs and times at kabutarkhanas, ensuring regular cleaning and sanitation at these sites and displaying multilingual signs educating the public on proper feeding and the minimal health risks posed by pigeons. It is time for us to follow our own Ahimsa roots and show some love to these birds, who are here without their fault. They were once amply fed, but now will go hungry and die of hunger, and the ones who won't will be kept and bred in cages and made to fight for their lives. - Hiraj Laljani, Manager of Celebrity and Media Relations at PETA India
Whether or not pigeons alone are to be blamed for respiratory diseases in humans has been debated for years. In Maharashtra, the original habitat of the Common Pigeon (Columba livia, the species that has overpopulated urban areas) is in the well-wooded Western Ghats forest, where they nested on rocky outcrops and in the forest canopies. The state bird, the arboreal Yellow-footed Green Pigeon (Hariyal), also originally inhabited open, well-wooded areas and dense forests. As time passed, pigeons profusely proliferated in urban and semi-urban areas and they adapted to nesting on artificial surfaces like buildings and other infrastructure, electric cables, air conditioning vents and building or warehouse lofts, etc. The reason can be traced back to breeding and artificial feeding of these avians. Pigeons are mostly seen in congested localities because such areas provide them with an easy source of food. India, being largely a vegetarian country, pigeon food like millets and grains is readily available in every household and grocery shop. Feeding easily available food also addresses religious issues and urban pigeons grow round the year, unlike those in the wild, whose breeding depends upon food availability. In nature, predator birds control the population of those that are lower in the food chain, but the uncontrolled population in urban areas has not only drastically affected the numbers of predator birds, but also local wild birds like mynahs and sparrows. Also, dependency on outsourced and many times unnatural feeding has slowly been destroying the natural ability of this species to forage. Some studies mention that pigeons are known carriers of more than 60 different human pathogenic organisms, which are primarily spread through their droppings and feathers. Diseases transmitted through pigeon waste include Histoplasmosis, Cryptococcosis psittacosis, Salmonellosis and E. coli. Exposure would generally occur through inhalation, contaminated surfaces and pests in high-density populations. Similar studies also mention that the risk of disease transmission is generally low for healthy individuals. However, it is unanimously agreed that people with compromised immune systems are at a significantly higher risk for serious complications. Unvaccinated feral pigeons can be a health hazard to humans. Pigeon fanciers often vaccinate their birds against pigeon-specific diseases (like paramyxovirus) to prevent outbreaks within flocks—not necessarily to protect humans. However, these avian populations are controlled by the owners and easily monitored and manageable, so vaccinating them would show the desired result within the flock. There is no universal pigeon vaccination programme for pigeons in an uncontrolled environment that we are speaking of: in thousands at marketplaces or on streets. The commonest pigeon vaccine - against Ranikhet disease - needs to be administered through drinking water in an uncontrolled environment. These are live vaccines, and the cold chain has to be effectively monitored and maintained. Failure of monitoring would give the opposite result: spread of the same disease that we are trying to control. If we look closely at the pigeon populations and their ownership in hugely populated areas, we will notice that there is none. Ownership is restricted only to providing food and water; there is a dearth of knowledge about avian diseases and the potential harm to humans as well as the flocks and no rule to control this problem or even to get vaccination implemented through the concerned authorities. So, should pigeon keeping be banned in cities? Unvaccinated pigeons can pose a minor but real health risk. That doesn't justify a full ban on pigeon keeping in cities, but strict regulation, education and enforcement make sense. Pigeon keeping has a long tradition of cultural and recreational value, not to forget their excellent quality to act as carriers in dire times. Responsible keepers always maintain hygiene and vaccinate their flocks. So, a blanket ban would affect them, especially because it is the unregulated proliferation that causes health problems, while the owned population can be under scrutiny to a large extent. However, there are an equal number of reasons to consider restrictions or tighten regulations. Overcrowded or unsanitary lofts can attract pests and spread disease. Some keepers may not follow local animal welfare or health codes, especially in high-density urban areas and where there is no ownership of these birds, the droppings can be a hindrance. A balanced approach of regulation over ban would be a much more welcome idea. Licensing of pigeon lofts, enforcing health inspections and hygiene standards, mandating vaccinations for specific diseases (like PMV-1), limiting the number of birds per household, limiting the unowned population to kabutarkhanas and restricting proximity to schools, hospitals, etc, could be some points worth considering. These will address not only the overpopulation factor, but also protect biodiversity. We need to look at community-based sustainable scientific solutions by restarting to nurture their natural habitats. The ultimate solution will be a balance between science-based education and awareness, with regulations that can be practically implemented. -Shakuntala Majumdar, President, Thane CPCA
इसलिए, तौबा करो कबूतर प्रदूषण से! जाड़ा आते ही पुराने शहरी क्षेत्रों में कबूतरबाज सक्रिय हो जाते हैं। सुबह से ही शोर, हुल्लड़, ओय ओय, सीटियां, सुनाई देने लगती हैं। लखनऊ के रिहायशी इलाकों में कबूतरों की जन संख्या में काफी इजाफा हुआ। कुछ अच्छी प्रजातियों के पालतू होते हैं जो घर के ऊपर छतों पर दड़बे बनाकर रखे जाते हैं। प्रतिस्पर्धाएं भी होती हैं। लेकिन ज्यादा संख्या दूसरे आम कबूतरों की है जो एक नया खतरा बन चुके हैं। हेल्थ एक्टिविस्ट्स अब मांग कर रहे हैं कि बंद शहरी स्थानों में कबूतरों को दाना खिलाने और तंग गलियों के घरों की छतों पर कबूतर पालने या उड़ाने पर तत्काल रोक लगाई जाए। यूपी के कई शहरों में कबूतर पालने का शौक बढ़ रहा है। नासमझ लोग कबूतरों को नियम से दाना डालते हैं, जिससे इनकी संख्या में जबरदस्त बढ़ोत्तरी हुई है। बाकी पक्षियों की प्रजातियां खतरे में आ चुकी हैं, मैना, कोयल, तोते और कौए आदि गायब हो रहे हैं, जो कि चिंता का विषय है। डॉक्टर्स बताते हैं कि शहरी स्थानों में कबूतरों को खिलाना स्वास्थ्य के लिए गंभीर खतरे पैदा करता है। कबूतरों की बीट में हिस्टोप्लाज्मोसिस, क्रिप्टोकोकोसिस और सिट्टाकोसिस जैसे जीवाणु पाए जाते हैं, जो श्वसन संबंधी समस्याओं, फेफड़ों की बीमारियों और अन्य रोगों का कारण बन सकते हैं। बंद स्थानों में, हवा में मौजूद जीवाणु जल्दी फैलते हैं, जिससे दमा और ब्रोंकाइटिस जैसी स्थितियां और भी खराब हो सकती हैं। इसके अलावा, कबूतरों में पाए जाने वाले पिस्सू, टिक और माइट टाइफस और लाइम रोग जैसी बीमारियों का कारण बन सकते हैं। कबूतरों की बीट से आकर्षित होने वाले चूहे लेप्टोस्पायरोसिस और हैंटावायरस जैसी बीमारियों का खतरा बढ़ाते हैं। कबूतरों की अत्यधिक आबादी भी रोग संचरण को बढ़ावा देती है। इसलिए, आगरा के पर्यावरणविद डॉक्टर देवाशीष भट्टाचार्य कहते हैं कि ‘‘अधिकारियों को कबूतरों को खिलाने पर रोक लगाने और प्रभावी अपशिष्ट प्रबंधन रणनीतियों को लागू करने की आवश्यकता है। सार्वजनिक जागरूकता अभियान भी मददगार हो सकते हैं।‘‘ पिछले माह मैसूर में महाराजा के महल के सामने, श्री हनुमान जी मंदिर के समीप कबूतरों को दाना डालने की प्रथा पर रोक लगाई गई है। शुरू में हल्का विरोध हुआ लेकिन जब स्वास्थ्य संबंधी चिंताओं को समझाया गया तो कबूतरबाजों ने समर्थन किया। मैसूर और आगरा जैसे ऐतिहासिक और घनी आबादी वाले इलाकों में शहरी इलाकों में कबूतरों को खाना खिलाना एक गंभीर मुद्दा बन गया है। जबकि कई लोग इन पक्षियों को देखना पसंद करते हैं और उन्हें खाना खिलाने में भी आनंद लेते हैं, इस हानिरहित गतिविधि के परिणाम सार्वजनिक स्वास्थ्य और पर्यावरण संबंधी चुनौतियों को जन्म दे सकते हैं। अक्सर शहरी कीटों के रूप में देखे जाने वाले कबूतर बंद जगहों में काफी उपद्रव पैदा कर सकते हैं। वे उन जगहों पर झुंड बनाकर जाते हैं जहाँ भोजन उपलब्ध होता है, जिससे भीड़भाड़ और शोर होता है। उनके मल, जो उन जगहों पर प्रचुर मात्रा में हो सकते हैं जहाँ उन्हें खिलाया जाता है, भद्दे गंदगी पैदा कर सकते हैं। मैसूर पैलेस के मामले में, कबूतरों को खिलाने पर प्रतिबंध एक सुविचारित उपाय है जिसका उद्देश्य साइट की सुंदरता को संरक्षित करना और आगंतुकों के लिए एक सुखद अनुभव सुनिश्चित करना है। इसी तरह, आगरा में, जहाँ कई अपार्टमेंट सोसायटियों ने जाल या अन्य निवारक लगाए हैं। शोर और उपद्रव कारक से परे, शहरी क्षेत्रों में कबूतरों की उपस्थिति गंभीर सार्वजनिक स्वास्थ्य चिंताओं को जन्म देती है। भीड़भाड़ वाले शहरी वातावरण में, विशेष रूप से अधिक पैदल यातायात के साथ, संक्रमण का जोखिम बढ़ जाता है। कबूतरों की बीट में यूरिक एसिड होता है, जो इमारतों को खराब कर सकता है और संरचनाओं के क्षरण में योगदान दे सकता है, विशेष रूप से मैसूर पैलेस जैसे वास्तुकला से समृद्ध ऐतिहासिक स्थानों में। छतों, बालकनियों और अन्य आश्रय क्षेत्रों में कबूतरों की बीट जमा हो सकती है, जिससे संरचनात्मक क्षति और रखरखाव लागत में वृद्धि हो सकती है। आगरा में अपार्टमेंट सोसायटियों में लगाए गए जाल और अन्य निवारक इन चुनौतियों की बढ़ती मान्यता को दर्शाते हैं। हालांकि वे एक आक्रामक समाधान की तरह लग सकते हैं, वे अक्सर मानव निवासियों और वास्तुशिल्प अखंडता दोनों की रक्षा के लिए आवश्यक होते हैं। कबूतरों को खिलाने पर प्रतिबंध लगाना कठोर लग सकता है, लेकिन इसे शहरी वन्यजीव प्रबंधन के व्यापक लेंस के माध्यम से देखना आवश्यक है। यह जरूरी नहीं कि कबूतरों को खत्म करने के बारे में होय बल्कि, यह मौजूदा समुदायों और वन्यजीवों के बीच सामंजस्यपूर्ण संतुलन खोजने के बारे में है। ऐसी स्थितियों में जहां खाद्य स्रोत प्रचुर मात्रा में हैं, कबूतरों की आबादी बढ़ सकती है, जिससे बड़ी समस्याएं हो सकती हैं। कबूतरों को खाना खिलाने का आनंद लेने वाले कई लोग संभावित परिणामों से अनजान हैं। जैसे-जैसे शहरी वातावरण विकसित होता जा रहा है, वन्यजीवों को जिम्मेदारी से प्रबंधित करने की आवश्यकता और भी महत्वपूर्ण होती जा रही है। मैसूर और आगरा जैसे स्थानों में, जहाँ आसपास के ऐतिहासिक और सांस्कृतिक महत्व सर्वोपरि है, सक्रिय उपाय - जैसे कि भोजन पर प्रतिबंध लगाना और निवारक उपाय लगाना - तेजी से आवश्यक कदम के रूप में देखे जा रहे हैं। बंद शहरी स्थानों में कबूतरों को खिलाने पर प्रतिबंध लगाकर, हम सार्वजनिक स्वास्थ्य सुनिश्चित करने, ऐतिहासिक अखंडता को संरक्षित करने और अंततः एक अधिक सामंजस्यपूर्ण शहरी वातावरण को बढ़ावा देने की दिशा में एक आवश्यक कदम उठा रहे हैं। -ब्रज खंडेलवाल, जाने-माने पत्रकार और पर्यावरणविद
शहरी क्षेत्रों में कबूतर पालन का विषय जटिल और बहुस्तरीय दोनों है। हालाँकि कुछ लोगों को इस गतिविधि से आनंद और आय मिल सकती है, लेकिन बिना टीकाकरण वाले कबूतरों से जुड़े स्वास्थ्य जोखिमों को स्वीकार करना होगा। शहरों में कबूतर पालन पर प्रतिबंध लगाने के कारणः स्वास्थ्य जोखिमः बिना टीकाकरण वाले कबूतर हिस्टोप्लास्मोसिस, क्रिप्टोकॉकोसिस और सिटाकोसिस जैसी बीमारियों के वाहक हो सकते हैं, जो मनुष्यों में फैल सकती हैं, खासकर भीड़-भाड़ वाले शहरी क्षेत्रों में जहाँ यह जोखिम अधिक होता है। पर्यावरणीय मुद्देः कबूतरों की बड़ी संख्या उनके मल से पर्यावरण प्रदूषण का कारण बन सकती है, जिससे मिट्टी और जलमार्ग दूषित हो सकते हैं। शहरों में कबूतर पालन पर प्रतिबंध लगाने के विरुद्ध कारणः आर्थिक प्रभावः कई व्यक्तियों के लिए, कबूतर पालन प्रजनन, दौड़ या बिक्री के माध्यम से आय का एक महत्वपूर्ण स्रोत है। प्रतिबंध उनकी वित्तीय स्थिरता पर प्रतिकूल प्रभाव डाल सकता है। सांस्कृतिक प्रासंगिकताः कुछ समुदायों में कबूतर पालन का सांस्कृतिक और ऐतिहासिक महत्व है, और इस पर प्रतिबंध लगाना इन परंपराओं का उल्लंघन माना जा सकता है। संभावित समाधानः नियमनः पूर्ण प्रतिबंध के बजाय, नियमन स्थापित करने से स्वास्थ्य संबंधी चिंताओं का समाधान हो सकता है। इसमें कबूतरों का अनिवार्य टीकाकरण, नियमित स्वास्थ्य निरीक्षण और जिम्मेदारी से कबूतर पालने के लिए दिशानिर्देश शामिल हो सकते हैं। शिक्षाः कबूतर मालिकों को स्वास्थ्य जोखिमों के बारे में सूचित करना और सर्वोत्तम प्रथाओं को प्रोत्साहित करना संभावित खतरों को कम करने में मदद कर सकता है। निर्दिष्ट स्थानः कबूतर पालन के लिए विशिष्ट क्षेत्र बनाने से स्वास्थ्य जोखिमों को अधिक प्रभावी ढंग से नियंत्रित किया जा सकता है और निगरानी एवं नियमन को बेहतर बनाया जा सकता है। अंततः शहरी परिवेश में कबूतर पालन पर प्रतिबंध लगाने या उसे विनियमित करने का निर्णय लेते समय, प्रत्येक समुदाय की विशिष्ट परिस्थितियों और आवश्यकताओं के साथ-साथ संभावित लाभों और चुनौतियों का गहन मूल्यांकन शामिल होना चाहिए। -डॉ. मोनिका रघुवंशी, सचिव (एन.वाई.पी.आई.), अधिकारी (एन.आर.जे.के.एस.एस.)
Topic of the month: In newly built or even renovated houses, open spaces in front, back and side yards are all cemented these days, with a potted plant here and there for show. It is the same in apartment blocks. Do people not realise that if groundwater does not seep in, how will the water table be recharged? Should not some kuchcha ground be left? You may send your views (either in Hindi or English) in not more than 800 words along with your latest pic to [email protected].
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