Pigeon nuisance: PWD says not its remit, NDMC cites action

New Delhi: Insanitary conditions caused by pigeon droppings and feeding do not fall within the Public Works Department's (PWD) mandate, the department has told the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in response to a plea flagging pollution and public nuisance linked to pigeons and grain vendors in the capital.

The matter is being heard on a petition filed by a Delhi resident, who alleged unhygienic conditions, littering and health hazards due to large-scale pigeon feeding and unauthorised grain vendors operating in public spaces.

In its reply to the tribunal, the PWD distanced itself from the issue, stating that sanitation-related concerns arising from pigeon feeding and droppings were outside its jurisdiction.

"The issues raised in the application primarily pertain to sanitation, sweeping of footpaths, maintenance of public spaces and regulation of illegal food grain vendors, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)," the PWD said in a report dated May 4.

The department added that it was responsible only for the maintenance and repair of roads under its jurisdiction and did not carry out day-to-day sweeping or sanitation work. "The answering respondent also has no role in controlling pigeon population, feeding of pigeons by individuals or illegal food grain vendors. There is no negligence on the part of the PWD," the report stated.

In contrast, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), in an earlier reply filed in April, informed the tribunal that it identified several pigeon-feeding points within its jurisdiction and initiated enforcement measures.

According to an action-taken report submitted to the NGT, NDMC directed field staff to regularly issue challans against individuals causing insanitary conditions at such locations. The civic body said 23 challans were issued in Jan, 14 in Feb and 39 in March this year against people found littering or creating unhygienic conditions.

The report further stated that NDMC carried out awareness campaigns, including nukkad nataks and social media outreach, to discourage monkey feeding and improve sanitation. It also informed the tribunal that over 2,000 monkeys were trapped and rehabilitated through an authorised agency.

Additionally, NDMC said it identified around 100 designated dog-feeding points in consultation with resident welfare associations, with instruction boards installed to regulate feeding practices and maintain cleanliness.