Pigeon menace inside metro stations triggers health concerns among Bengaluru commuters

Foul smell and bird waste at Yelachenahalli Metro station raise fears of respiratory and skin diseases

Metro commuters in Bengaluru are growing increasingly worried after pigeon waste was found inside a city metro station, triggering concerns over hygiene and public health.

The issue has been reported at Yelachenahalli Metro station, where pigeon feathers, wings, droppings and waste have been found on the metro tracks inside the station premises. Commuters claim that the accumulation of bird waste has resulted in a strong foul smell, making travel uncomfortable and raising health fears.

Photos showing pigeon droppings and feathers on the metro rail tracks have gone viral, further amplifying public concern. Passengers say the unpleasant odour inside the station is persistent and difficult to ignore, especially during peak hours.

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Health experts warn that continuous exposure to pigeon waste and feathers can be dangerous. The inhalation of dust from pigeon feathers and droppings can lead to respiratory infections, lung-related illnesses, and skin allergies. In some cases, it may even trigger pneumonitis, a serious lung condition.

Medical professionals caution that people exposed to pigeon waste may experience breathing difficulties, skin rashes, high fever, lung infections, and chest discomfort. Those suffering from asthma are considered particularly vulnerable, as the exposure could lead to frequent and severe asthma attacks.

The fear among commuters has grown as metro stations are enclosed public spaces where passengers spend considerable time waiting for trains. Many have demanded immediate action to prevent pigeons from nesting inside stations and along the tracks.

Meanwhile, the Urban Development Department has imposed restrictions on feeding pigeons in public places. Authorities have instructed civic agencies to take strict measures to stop pigeon feeding across Bengaluru, citing health risks associated with bird waste accumulation.

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Officials have stressed that uncontrolled pigeon feeding contributes directly to hygiene issues in public infrastructure, including metro stations. The instructions aim to protect public health and prevent similar situations from arising in other parts of the city.

With concerns mounting, commuters are urging metro authorities to clean affected areas, restrict bird entry into stations, and ensure passenger safety at all metro locations.