High Court in Bombay Establishes Expert Panel to Evaluate Effects on Public Health from Feeding Pigeons at Kabutarkhanas
In a move aimed at protecting public health, the Bombay High Court has constituted an expert committee to examine the potential impact of feeding pigeons in public Kabutarkhanas (pigeon feeding zones). The case, Pallavi Sachin Patil and Ors v MCGM, remains unchanged.
The committee has been tasked with studying whether pigeon feeding and their droppings adversely affect public health. They are also expected to explore if controlled feeding could be allowed without compromising health. Additionally, the committee will identify suitable locations for controlled feeding and frame regulations accordingly.
Medical reports submitted to the court have highlighted that exposure to pigeons and their droppings can harm human lungs and cause acute breathlessness, particularly affecting children and senior citizens. With this in mind, the court has emphasised that protecting public health is paramount, and any decision on pigeon feeding must be guided by expert medical opinion.
The committee will consider submissions from petitioners, the BMC, Bombay Natural History Society, and Animal Welfare Board of India to arrive at a well-considered conclusion aimed at resolving the controversy in the larger public interest.
Until the committee submits its report, the feeding of pigeons has been temporarily restricted, with applications for feeding permissions reviewed by the BMC. It's important to note that the High Court did not order closures directly but recommended reliance on the expert committee's findings to guide future policy.
The expert committee's findings, while still pending final submission, have underscored the serious health hazards from pigeon droppings and recommended regulated, controlled feeding if feasible without compromising public health. The decision could potentially impact the regulation of pigeon feeding in public areas.
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- Given the court's emphasis on public health, it is crucial to examine the potential medical-conditions related to skin-care that might arise from prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings.
- In light of the ongoing discussions on pigeon feeding and its impact on public health, it would also be beneficial to investigate any correlations between pigeon droppings and health-and-wellness issues such as skin irritations or infections.
