Health Crisis Looms in Navghar Area Due to Rising Pigeon Menace, Civic Administration Unresponsive

Vasai:The growing population of pigeons in the Vasai-Virar area and the diseases they cause have become a serious issue. Due to the lack of action and measures by the municipal administration, a significant health concern has arisen for the citizens. According to reports, at Ambadi Road in the Navghar Manikpur division, right in front of the municipal office, vendors are seen feeding pigeons grains and other food items. Notably, despite the presence of the Navghar Manikpur Municipal Corporation office, this illegal activity is ongoing, with local citizens also contributing by feeding the birds. It has become crucial to impose restrictions on this practice. Thousands of pigeons have made this area their habitat, leading to the skywalk being covered in pigeon droppings. Pedestrians, vehicles passing through, and those parked in the vicinity are getting contaminated, inviting serious diseases. Pigeon droppings can cause histoplasmosis, candidiasis, and cryptococcosis, which are serious lung diseases that can affect the central nervous system in advanced stages. Doctors at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi have clarified the link between prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers and chronic lung diseases. Recent case studies by doctors indicate that feeding pigeons and being in their proximity can pose significant health risks to humans. Experts state that pigeon droppings contain fungi and bacteria that can harm human health, causing diseases such as rhinitis, skin allergies, red eyes, and sinusitis. Respiratory disorders have also been observed to increase due to pigeon droppings. If not diagnosed and treated in time, these diseases can lead to severe respiratory issues. A few years ago, the municipal administration had put up boards in this area advising against feeding the birds, but these have since disappeared. Immediate action against grain vendors in the area is urgently required. Regarding this issue, 'H' Ward Committee's Assistant Commissioner Manoj Vanmali was contacted. He assured that immediate measures would be taken to address the problem, and action would be taken against the concerned vendors.