No, feeding wild pigeons in India is generally prohibited under wildlife protection laws unless explicitly permitted by local authorities. While the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 does not explicitly ban feeding, state-specific municipal bylaws and municipal corporation regulations often restrict it to curb public health risks and nuisance. For instance, the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957, and similar provisions in Mumbai and Bengaluru classify pigeon feeding as a sanitation offense, punishable by fines up to ₹5,000 under Section 381. Recent 2026 draft amendments to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines propose stricter enforcement, mandating prior approval from forest or municipal departments for any bird-feeding activities in urban zones.
Key Regulations for Feeding Wild Pigeons in India
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (Section 11): Prohibits actions that may harm or disturb native wildlife, including feeding in ways that alter natural behavior or create dependency. Feeding pigeons near protected habitats (e.g., Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai) triggers enforcement under this provision.
- Municipal Bylaws (e.g., Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957; Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888): Classify pigeon feeding as a public nuisance under sanitation clauses. Violations may result in penalties under Section 381 (Delhi) or Section 380 (Mumbai), with fines escalating for repeat offenses.
- National Green Tribunal (NGT) Guidelines (2026 Draft): Require prior approval from forest or municipal authorities before feeding birds in urban areas. Non-compliance may lead to NGT directives for habitat restoration or community service, particularly in high-density cities like Bengaluru and Chennai.