Pigeons force Mumbai residents out

Residents of housing societies in Lokhandawala, Andheri (west) are now selling their flats because of a pigeon menace.

According to neighbours, a resident from a nearby society has already sold his flat and shifted elsewhere, and it is likely that others might follow suit. The pigeons have been fed in the area for the past ten years. Previously there were few complaints, since there were fewer pigeons; however, their numbers have increased significantly in the last few years.

“Since the beginning, we have been opposed to them (pigeons), since this is not a designated place for them. We complained to the police and civic authorities earlier, but nothing happened,” said Kirti Adarkar, secretary of the Old Lokhandawala Residents Association.

“We have noticed a kind of infection in the pigeons, probably fungal, which could be hazardous to asthma patients,” added Adarkar.

Other residents alleged that the footpath is covered with pigeon faeces, and has not been cleaned for years. “It is difficult to walk on that stretch of the road, since people coming to feed the pigeons halt their vehicles there, creating traffic issues. Even the kids leaving and entering the school there find it difficult to cross the road,” they say.

The father of actress Sonali Bendre, Ashok Bendre, who lives in a society nearby, said, “Some preventive measures have been taken by the society to reduce the trouble. Now we have become accustomed to it.”

“The practice (feeding the pigeons) is going on in the name of religion. We are not against it, but it has to be done at the designated places and without disturbing others,” said a resident, requesting anonymity.

A civic source confirmed that the place is not a designated feeding area.

Ramesh Pawar, assistant commissioner of the Andheri west ward, said, “We will send a medical officer to the spot to investigate the possibility of infection, and take necessary action from a health point of view.”

“We will look into the matter,” said Ashok Khaire, deputy municipal commissioner of Zone IV, “and if we find it to be unauthorised, we will act on it as per rules and regulations.”