Mumbai: The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) launched its latest documentary, ‘Mercy Feeding: Pigeon Menace in Urban Areas,’ highlighting the environmental and public health concerns caused by the uncontrolled growth of the common blue rock pigeon population due to feeding by people in cities.

The documentary ‘Mercy Feeding: Pigeon Menace in Urban Areas’, which was produced with the support of JSW, explores the lethal effects on human health by indiscriminate pigeon feeding explained through expert insights. It highlights uncontrolled pigeon feeding, often referred to as ‘mercy feeding,’ which claims that it has led to a significant increase in the pigeon population in urban areas.

The film highlighted the ecological and health impacts of pigeon overpopulation, the role of excessive feeding in disrupting urban biodiversity, stopping the ‘Mercy Feeding’ practices and promoting wild-urban-avifauna. This documentary urges communities to rethink their interaction with the pigeons and strike a balance between urban wildlife, compassion and ecological responsibility.

By presenting factual information and expert opinions, the film aims to educate the public on the consequences of mercy feeding and encourage informed decision-making. It promotes alternative, responsible approaches to managing urban wildlife, urging citizens, policymakers, and urban planners to work toward stopping mercy-feeding practices in the city.

Sangita Jindal, chairperson of JSW Foundation, said, “Feeding pigeons in our cities may seem kind, but it creates serious health risks for all of us. Overcrowding leads to disease, damages buildings, and disrupts the balance of nature. True care means protecting both people and wildlife.”

Praveen Singh Pardeshi, president of BNHS, said, “Pigeons’ droppings spread diseases like salmonellosis and cryptococcosis, posing risks, especially to vulnerable individuals. The new documentary exposes these dangers, illustrating how well-intentioned actions can have dire consequences for both human health and urban biodiversity. It urges a shift towards responsible urban wildlife management, advocating for natural population controls and public awareness campaigns to safeguard our cities.”

Kishor Rithe, director of BNHS, said, “We hope that this film will bring awareness among the responsible people who run the Kabutarkhana and also the communities who feed the pigeons. Hope people would stop feeding pigeons once they see this film.”