Feeding pigeons isn't just a nuisance; it's a health hazard that can cause permanent lung damage. Here is how to handle the biohazard in your colony using the law.
Your neighbour thinks they are earning spiritual brownie points by dumping 5 kg of grain on a common ledge every morning. Meanwhile, you are waking up to a layer of grey feathers, acidic droppings that corrode your AC pipes, and a persistent dry cough that won’t go away. This is not just a minor annoyance or a "nature-loving" hobby; it is a documented public health risk. When the local "kabutar-baazi" turns your balcony into a biohazard, you are not being "mean" by speaking up. You are protecting your lungs. In India, feeding pigeons in high-density residential areas has led to a surge in Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP)—a condition often called "Bird Fancier’s Lung"—which can lead to irreversible lung scarring (fibrosis). If a polite conversation has failed, it is time to use the civic tools at your disposal to reclaim your right to clean air.
There is no single "Anti-Pigeon Act" in India, but the legal framework against creating a public health hazard is robust. While the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) generally encourages kindness to animals, it does not grant anyone the right to create a nuisance or health risk in shared residential spaces.
Since July 2024, the BNS has replaced the IPC. Two specific sections apply to pigeon feeding if it leads to health risks:
Most major Indian cities have specific bylaws under their respective Municipal Acts (e.g., the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act or the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act). For instance, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has previously issued notices and levied fines of ₹500 on individuals feeding pigeons in non-designated areas. Most municipal bodies classify the accumulation of bird droppings as a failure to maintain sanitation, which is a fineable offence.
Under various State Apartment Ownership Acts (like the Maharashtra Ownership Flats Act or the UP Apartment Act), Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) have the power to create bylaws for the common good. If your RWA passes a resolution banning bird feeding in balconies/common areas for health reasons, that rule is legally binding on all residents. Courts, including the Bombay High Court in various housing society disputes, have upheld that an individual's right to feed animals cannot override the collective right of other residents to health and hygiene.
If you are dealing with a persistent feeder, do not start a shouting match. Follow this structured escalation path.
Before you complain, you need proof. The law requires evidence of "nuisance" or "danger to life."
Do not just send a WhatsApp message. Formalise it.
If the society does not act, the local government must. Every ward in an Indian city has a Medical Officer of Health.
If the feeder is aggressive or refuses to stop despite municipal notices, go to the police.
If you live in a colony where the problem is massive (like a commercial "kabutar-khana" in a residential zone), you can approach the National Green Tribunal (NGT) or a Civil Court for a permanent injunction.
For more ways to tackle local issues, Browse all civic-action guides.
Even with the law on your side, the "Kabutar-loving" neighbor often has a set of standard defenses. Here is how you bypass them.
This is the most common roadblock. The neighbor will claim they are performing punya (merit) or following religious traditions.
Many Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) are scared of confrontation or don't want to get involved in "petty" disputes.
If you go to a Police Station, the duty officer might laugh it off, saying, "It’s just birds, why are you wasting our time?"
The feeder might claim they are "protecting" birds and cite the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).
Subject: Formal Complaint regarding Public Health Hazard and Nuisance (Flat No. [X])
To, The Secretary/President, [Name of Housing Society]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to formally bring to your notice a persistent health hazard caused by the feeding of pigeons by the occupants of Flat [Number].
The accumulation of bird droppings and feathers in the common ducts/balconies has created a severe sanitation issue. As per medical research, pigeon excreta contains pathogens that cause Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis and other respiratory diseases.
Under the [State] Apartment Ownership Act and our society bylaws, the RWA is responsible for maintaining hygiene. Furthermore, this act constitutes a "Public Nuisance" under Section 292 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS) 2023.
We request the RWA to:
If no action is taken within 7 days, I will be forced to escalate this to the Municipal Health Officer and the local Police Station.
Regards, [Your Name] [Your Flat Number]
"Hi [Name], I’m sure you mean well by feeding the birds, but the droppings are collecting right near my AC vents/balcony. My family member is struggling with a persistent cough/allergy, and the doctor has specifically asked us to clear out bird feathers and droppings to prevent lung infection. Could you please move the feeding to the society’s designated ground area or a nearby park instead? I’d really appreciate your help in keeping the air clean for everyone's health."
If the RWA and neighbor ignore you, file an RTI to the local Municipality (e.g., BMC, MCD, BBMP).
To: Public Information Officer, [Name of Municipal Corporation]
No, feeding birds is not illegal. However, doing it in a way that creates a public health hazard or nuisance in a shared residential space is a violation of the law. Under Section 292 of the BNSS, if your "kindness" causes annoyance or injury to your neighbors' health, it becomes a legal issue.
Yes. If your RWA has passed a resolution in a General Body Meeting (GBM) banning bird feeding in balconies for health and maintenance reasons, they can impose a "society fine." While they cannot force you to pay like a court can, they can add it to your maintenance bill, and unpaid dues can lead to the withholding of "No Objection Certificates" (NOCs) later.
Remind them that according to the Animal Welfare Board of India, overfeeding pigeons in urban settings leads to an unnatural population explosion, which actually harms the birds (spreading diseases among them) and displaces local bird species like sparrows. Moving the feeding to a park is "kindness"; feeding them on a balcony is "nuisance."
You need a "paper trail." Take photos of the feeding, videos of the pigeons swarming, and most importantly, a medical certificate if you have a respiratory issue. If you have sent a WhatsApp message or email to the neighbor asking them to stop and they ignored it, keep a screenshot. This proves "negligent/malignant intent" under Section 270/271 of the BNSS.
Unlikely for a first-time nuisance complaint. Usually, the police will visit, give a "stern warning," and record an NC (Non-Cognizable) report. However, if the neighbor continues and you can prove it is making you sick, they can be prosecuted, which involves a fine or a short jail term. The goal is usually the warning, which stops 90% of cases.
Yes. As a legal resident, you have the right to a "nuisance-free" environment. You can complain to the RWA and the Municipal Corporation. You should also inform your landlord; if the pigeon droppings are damaging the property (corroding paint or AC units), the landlord has a financial incentive to help you stop the feeder.
Filing a complaint with the RWA or the Police is free. An RTI costs ₹10 (plus photocopy charges). If you decide to send a formal legal notice through a lawyer, it might cost you between ₹2,000 to ₹5,000, but you can often do this yourself using the templates provided above.
No, feeding birds is not illegal. However, doing it in a way that creates a **public health hazard** or **nuisance** in a shared residential space is a violation of the law. Under Section 292 of the BNSS, if your "kindness" causes annoyance or injury to your neighbors' health, it becomes a legal issue.
Yes. If your RWA has passed a resolution in a General Body Meeting (GBM) banning bird feeding in balconies for health and maintenance reasons, they can impose a "society fine." While they cannot force you to pay like a court can, they can add it to your maintenance bill, and unpaid dues can lead to the withholding of "No Objection Certificates" (NOCs) later.
Remind them that according to the Animal Welfare Board of India, overfeeding pigeons in urban settings leads to an unnatural population explosion, which actually harms the birds (spreading diseases among them) and displaces local bird species like sparrows. Moving the feeding to a park is "kindness"; feeding them on a balcony is "nuisance."
You need a "paper trail." Take photos of the feeding, videos of the pigeons swarming, and most importantly, a medical certificate if you have a respiratory issue. If you have sent a WhatsApp message or email to the neighbor asking them to stop and they ignored it, keep a screenshot. This proves "negligent/malignant intent" under Section 270/271 of the BNSS.
Unlikely for a first-time nuisance complaint. Usually, the police will visit, give a "stern warning," and record an NC (Non-Cognizable) report. However, if the neighbor continues and you can prove it is making you sick, they can be prosecuted, which involves a fine or a short jail term. The goal is usually the warning, which stops 90% of cases.
Yes. As a legal resident, you have the right to a "nuisance-free" environment. You can complain to the RWA and the Municipal Corporation. You should also inform your landlord; if the pigeon droppings are damaging the property (corroding paint or AC units), the landlord has a financial incentive to help you stop the feeder.
RTI templates, FIR scripts, real escalation ladders — the same kind of thing you just read. Sundays only. No spam.
We don't share your email. Unsubscribe any time.
Stop refreshing clunky government websites. Learn how to use official Telegram channels and bots like the Gauhati High Court's for real-time legal updates and cause lists.
Skip the travel and attend your court hearing online. Learn how to use the video conferencing facilities provided by Indian courts and the Gauhati High Court's tutorials.
Struggling with poor mobile data in court? Learn how to register your device for high-speed Wi-Fi at the Gauhati High Court using the official GHC advocate portal.
Ever wondered if you can enter the Gauhati High Court? Learn how to attend the 77th Republic Day ceremony and use judicial transparency tools to track Assam's legal system.