India’s Pigeon Boom: How ‘Mercy Feeding’ Turned Compassion into a Health Crisis

In the heart of India’s cities, where spirituality meets daily hustle, pigeons have always symbolized peace and compassion. But today, that same compassion is creating an unexpected crisis.

According to the 2023 State of India’s Birds report, India’s pigeon population has soared by over 150% since 2000, largely due to the widespread practice of “mercy feeding.” This act of kindness offering grains to pigeons as a religious or compassionate ritual has led to an ecological imbalance and rising health concerns in urban areas.

Cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, and Coimbatore are now facing the unintended fallout of overfeeding. With endless food supplies and no natural predators, pigeon numbers have exploded, covering city squares, balconies, and heritage structures with droppings that harbor dangerous fungi and allergens.

Health experts warn that constant exposure to pigeon droppings can trigger respiratory diseases such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and histoplasmosis, which can cause chronic coughing, lung inflammation, and even permanent lung damage.

Recognizing this growing threat, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken steps to curb pigeon feeding. Historic sites like Dadar Kabutarkhana have been temporarily closed, and fines have been imposed for feeding pigeons in public places. The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission has also intervened, stating that uncontrolled pigeon feeding violates citizens’ right to a clean and safe environment.

Yet, for many Indians, feeding pigeons remains an act of faith, one that brings inner peace and a sense of moral duty. The challenge now is not about ending compassion but redirecting it responsibly. Public awareness campaigns, designated feeding zones, and stricter sanitation measures could help strike a balance between cultural beliefs and urban health.