Architectural and heritage structures are constantly at risk of disintegration, mostly due to natural factors such as weather- deterioration. But who knew that something as innocuous as feeding pigeons could damage heritage buildings? That is exactly the case with the iconic Mysore Palace and some other nearby heritage structures.

Now, to save these, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar has taken steps to stop the activity that many consider auspicious. The BJP MP has sought a law from the Mysuru City Corporation to prohibit the feeding of pigeons near the palace.

For the moment, however, he has discussed with local people and halted pigeon feeding at the spot. Thankfully, the city’s Jain community and others have agreed to stop feeding the birds, an activity that has been a morning ritual for them as “pigeon pea” (gift to pigeons), after the MP explained to them on Sunday how the birds’ excrement was harming the heritage structures.

Why Wadiyar has sought the ban

Wadiyar told The Federal why he had called a meeting with local people and voted to end pigeon feeding.

“First and foremost, pigeon feeding raises serious public health concerns. Pigeons can cause various lung diseases and can trigger asthma, especially in children,” he explained.

“Secondly, Mysuru, known for its numerous heritage structures, including the iconic Mysuru Palace, faces an additional challenge as pigeon droppings are acidic and harmful to these buildings. They cause erosion in the marbles and stones.

“Lastly, overfeeding pigeons is unnecessary as they fall under the Urban Wildlife Protection Act and are not reliant on humans for sustenance,” he said. Wadiyar also said he got many complaints from public and health officials.

Health concerns

Wadiyar said he got into the act after getting numerous requests from NGOs and the public, while doctors and pulmonologists who were consulted backed the widespread concerns.

On Sunday, he called for a stop to the practice of feeding pigeons near Mysuru palace. But a group of activists led by retired University of Mysore professor Nanjaraj Urs turned up with grains to feed the pigeons. They were stopped by Mysuru corporation officials, sparking off an altercation.

That is when Wadiyar decided to have a public discussion on Sunday. Among those who attended were prominent citizens, environmentalists, and medical professionals.

Wadiyar’s public appeal

Wadiyar explained to them that the pigeons they feed often roost in nearby heritage buildings, posing a serious threat to their integrity as well as the many marble statues surrounding the palace.

Medical experts present at the meeting also sounded concern about the health risks posed by the growing pigeon population, while historian NS Rangaraju emphasised the importance of preserving Mysuru’s rich heritage.

Rangaraju also noted an alarming presence of rats and rodents in the parks surrounding heritage sites, which also threaten these structures.

After hearing out all of them, Jain community leader Yash Vinod Jain told the meeting that they would halt the practice of feeding pigeons. He said they were unaware that the community’s “well-intentioned act of feeding pigeons” was leading to so much trouble.