Daijiworld Media Network - Mapusa

Mapusa, Aug 7: In a rather unusual turn during the monsoon session of the Goa Legislative Assembly, pigeons took centre stage as MLA Vijai Sardesai raised alarm over their rising urban population and the public health risks they pose.

The Goa Forward Party leader highlighted how pigeon infestations had gone from a mere nuisance to a serious threat, with their droppings and nesting habits endangering citizens' health — and even infiltrating the Assembly building itself.

“We are literally breathing infection,” Sardesai said, warning that these seemingly innocuous birds were causing significant problems in places like Margao, where balconies and ledges have become pigeon gathering spots.

Citing Maharashtra’s move to ban public pigeon-feeding zones or ‘kabutar khanas’, he urged Goa to adopt a similar approach. “Before this problem grows wings,” he quipped, “we need to ban public feeding of pigeons.”

While the Assembly couldn't help but chuckle at the imagery, Sardesai’s concern was rooted in scientific evidence — pigeon droppings can carry disease-causing pathogens, with prolonged exposure in urban spaces linked to respiratory illnesses.

So far, the state government has not outlined any action plan. But thanks to Sardesai, pigeons have officially flown into the legislature’s line of sight — not as mere city creatures, but as potential public health hazards. Whether this leads to policy, or just more Assembly chatter, remains to be seen.