Pigeon droppings can put your lungs at risk: What NGT notice to Delhi govt says on capital's pesky pests

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a notice to the Delhi government and civic authorities, following a plea that claims that unchecked feeding and proliferation of pigeons lead to pigeon droppings across the city, which in turn causes health and environmental hazards, according to a press release.
This is the second time the issue has drawn the Delhi government's attention. In 2024, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi proposed a complete ban on pigeon feeding, blaming the growing number of these birds in the capital, causing severe health hazards among children and the elderly.
The Tribunal's bench, led by Chairperson Prakash Shrivastava and expert member A Senthil Ved, mentioned, citing the plea that pigeon droppings are accumulating on footpaths, pavements and traffic islands across Delhi and surrounding regions. 'When these feeding areas are swept, then the toxic particulars of dried droppings mix with the dust, pollute the environment and cause adverse health effects,' they added.
The plea flagged hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a serious lung disease linked to exposure to bird droppings, as a key concern. In the longer run, the germs found in pigeon droppings can lead to lung scarring and breathing difficulties.
In the May 29, 2025, order, the NGT said the case raises 'substantial issues' regarding environmental compliance and directed the Delhi government, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Public Works Department, and other relevant authorities to respond via affidavit, a written document that can be used as evidence in court.
The matter is under further consideration as the hearing has been posted on October 8, 2025.
The NGT is a specialised judicial body in India, currently headed by Justice Prakash Shrivastava.
Under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, the green tribunal is responsible for handling cases related to environmental protection and the conservation of forests and natural resources.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

The Hindu

6 hours ago

• The Hindu

Illegal sand mining along Yamuna banks continues unchecked, says Congress leader

Former Haryana Minister and senior Congress leader Karan Dalal has written to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), flagging what he described as 'ongoing illegal and unrestrained sand mining operations along the banks of the Yamuna', particularly in the districts of Palwal, Faridabad, Sonipat, and Yamuna Nagar. He urged the Tribunal to initiate 'urgent, firm, and exemplary action against all individuals and entities involved'. In a detailed nine-page letter, Mr. Dalal alleged that 'a systematic and large-scale plunder of the Yamuna riverbed' was under way, allegedly 'orchestrated by a powerful, well-organised and influential sand mining mafia operating with blatant impunity'. He contended that these illegal activities constituted a direct violation of environmental and legal provisions, as well as the binding orders, rules, and guidelines of the Supreme Court and the NGT. These, he said, 'strictly prohibit such unregulated and ecologically destructive mining practices'. The letter further alleged that unauthorised excavation was being carried out well beyond approved zones. 'River boundary pillars have been deliberately removed to erase demarcations, and heavy earth-moving machinery is being deployed midstream, leading to unregulated deep excavation,' it said. This, Mr. Dalal added, had resulted in the creation of hazardous deep pits in the riverbed, which were continually exploited for illegal sand extraction. Citing several instances, Mr. Dalal claimed that multiple departments, the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee, and the NGT had already noted violations across the affected districts. 'Despite repeated protests by local residents and environmental activists, only cosmetic actions are taken — such as the registration of a few FIRs, seizure of vehicles, imposition of token fines, or isolated 'special raids' — while the core structure of corruption and the mining mafia remains untouched and fully operational,' he said. Referring to specific data, Mr. Dalal pointed out that between January 2024 and March 2025, 117 FIRs were registered in Palwal alone, resulting in the seizure of approximately 188 vehicles. 'However, instead of initiating robust legal proceedings or dismantling the network, a mere fine of ₹7.48 lakh was imposed to cover up the issue, resulting in the illegal sand mining continuing unabated,' he noted.

India Gazette

6 hours ago

• India Gazette

NGT observes International Yoga Day 2025 with Unity and Purpose

New Delhi [India], June 21(ANI): The National Green Tribunal (NGT) observed the International Day of Yoga 2025 with a vibrant and purposeful yoga session at its Principal Bench in New Delhi. The event was graced by the presence of Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson of the NGT, alongside other distinguished Members of the Tribunal. Celebrating this year's global theme, 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health', the gathering highlighted yoga's enduring relevance in nurturing both personal wellness and environmental mindfulness. In his address, Justice Shrivastava emphasised yoga's transformative power, describing it as 'a way of life that instills discipline, harmony, and mindfulness -- values essential for both individual well-being and environmental consciousness.' The session commenced with a guided practice led by certified instructors, who introduced participants to a balanced routine of asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), and dhyana (meditation). The atmosphere was marked by serenity, focus, and a shared commitment to holistic welcomed the initiative as a timely reminder of the importance of grounding oneself through wellness practices amid the demands of contemporary life. The International Day of Yoga, celebrated globally each year on 21 June, was established by the United Nations in 2014 to honour and promote the practice of yoga. Recognising its profound impact on both physical and mental health, the UN sought to encourage the widespread adoption of this ancient Indian discipline as a means of fostering holistic well-being worldwide. Earlier in Visakhapatnam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the international community to embrace 'inner peace' as a 'global policy' and make yoga a collective global responsibility. Speaking at the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations, the Prime Minister called upon countries to adopt yoga not just as a personal or cultural practice, but as a unifying force for humanity. 'I would like to take this opportunity to urge the global community on this important occasion to let this International Yoga Day mark the beginning of Yoga for Humanity. Let this be the day when inner peace becomes a global policy, where yoga is embraced not just as a personal practice, but as a powerful tool for global partnership and unity. Let every country and every society make yoga a shared responsibility, a common contribution toward collective well-being,' the Prime Minister said. (ANI)

Business Standard

18 hours ago

• Business Standard

Amit Shah a disgrace to the post once held by Sardar Patel: Jairam Ramesh

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh on Friday launched a direct attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of failing to "bring the terrorists who carried out the brutal terror attacks in Pahalgam to justice," and restoring peace in Manipur. "Amit Shah is a disgrace to the position once held by the indomitable Sardar," claimed Ramesh. "The Union Home Minister has failed singularly in bringing the terrorists who carried out the brutal terror attacks in Pahalgam to justice. These terrorists had reportedly also been involved in terror attacks at Poonch (Dec 2023) and at Gagangir and Gulmarg (Oct 2024)," his post said. "The Union Home Minister has failed miserably to restore even a semblance of peace and normalcy in Manipur. All that he has accomplished is to provide guaranteed employment to his son. Now the Union Home Minister makes the most ridiculous of statements. Millions of Indians each speak more Indian languages - in addition to English - than him. He is a disgrace to the position once held by the indomitable Sardar," said the post from Ramesh. Ramesh called the visit a "publicity-driven exercise" that fails to address the ground realities of the state. "The advertisement-loving Prime Minister is once again on a tour of matter how many fake announcements the Prime Minister makes, no matter how many ribbons he cuts for free advertising, the truth is that the double engine government in Bihar has completely failed to meet the expectations of the common people," his post read. "In Bihar, oppression against the deprived classes is at its peak, the law and order situation is extremely bad, criminals have become unbridled and the common citizens are helpless. Every day there are reports of murder, robbery and violence against youth do not have any employment in the state and they are forced to migrate from Bihar," he said. "During this visit, the Prime Minister will also express his electoral concern about the pollution of Mother Ganga .But the truth is that in the last 11 years, 'Ganga cleansing' has become just an election slogan, which is suddenly remembered before every election. Not only in Bihar, Mother Ganga has become more polluted than before in the entire country. Most of the schemes launched in the name of Ganga cleanliness campaign have proved to be a black hole of corruption-After the foundation stone laying, inauguration and heavy publicity, neither any work is visible nor any concrete National Green Tribunal (NGT) itself is exposing the terrible condition of Ganga pollution in Patna and Bihar," added Ramesh.