Why is Feeding Seagulls Hazardous?

The recent picture of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in which he can be seen feeding gulls before attending the closing ceremony of Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj paves way for a brainstorming on what is good and what is bad for the digestive systems of these migratory birds. While it is not clear in the picture whether what exactly is being fed to these gulls, it is worth digging deep through the much-discussed periodic debate over what is appropriate to feed them, and what is not.

What are seagulls?

Seagulls are migratory birds that fly long distances to save themselves from harsh weather and also in search of fish for food. Specifically, Siberian seagulls come to Indian coastline between October to March and are seen in abundance from North to South. In fact, Mumbai's marine drive is the most sought-after spot for walkers who try to get a glimpse of these birds. Morning Walkers enthusiastically click pictures and feed them farsan and gathia. This has been a tradition for years together, and despite repeated awareness drives, people are still feeding packet food to these birds. Experts believe that packet food is extremely hazardous to Seagulls, or the food that we humans consume may or may not suitable for their health.

Is there a law prohibiting this in India?

Media reports highlight that in 2018 BNHS had requested the Maharashtra state environment department to ban the feeding of migratory birds in Mumbai and adjoining areas. An elderly morning walker Varsha Phadke spoke to the Perfect Voice highlighting, "Before lockdown or before the work on coastal road project began, there were officials formally deployed at marine drive to prohibit walkers from feeding these birds. But the efforts seem to be inconsistent as this season the practice has resumed with no concerned authority to officially object to feeding farsan to the birds. Apart from the health of the birds being deteriorated, the clean and picturesque marine drive is losing its charm as the gathia is left abandoned and the entire area is littered."

VJTI Engineer and retired BMC Official Mahesh Phadke told The Perfect Voice, "One of the obligatory duty of Municipal corporation is to protect the health of people through preventive measures. Accordingly, the caution signs are placed at various places to prevent people from health hazards due to pigeons. In spite of knowing the risk involved even educated people ignore the directions and continue to feed pigeons which endanger their own health. It is observed that, respiratory problems, lungs problems and asthma are proven hazards of feeding pigeons."

What PETA India says

"There is increased discussion and awareness against feeding wild animals with human food, but the situation becomes complex when we consider humans have cut down the animals’ natural forest homes forcing them into human areas. As natural habitats are turned into multistorey buildings and parking lots, pigeons like many animals, have been forced to adapt to their new surroundings. Just as we would show compassion to a hungry dog, so many do to a hungry pigeon. It would be ideal, however, to feed pigeons foods like greens, berries and fruits. Town planning must include forest protection. That is the key solution to issues involving wildlife."

What do Medical practitioners say?

Dr Sharad Ketkar (MBBS), GP from Kurla in Mumbai said, "Pigeons spread respiratory diseases. They have no utility value. In Singapore they kill pigeons as soon as they are spotted. Allergic asthama is on the rise because of pigeons".

Dr. Mandar Bapaye, Girgaon based Pediatrician said, "Pigeons are fed because of some religious beliefs. Health hazards are plenty. Both infectious and non-infectious lung diseases can affect both adults as well as children due to pigeons. From fungal infections to Fibrotic lung diseases, it also poses risk for those who has Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis. Ideally pigeons are built to hunt for their food but have lost their abilities due to easily available food. The pigeons over the years have become dominant bird species as far as the urban setting is concerned thus the gravity of causing illness is high."

The popular promenade of Marine Drive is littered with heaps of farsan every year between October and March. Yes, it spoils the entire experience of a healthy walk full of fresh air that defines the location. As far as the gut health of guls is concerned, there are mixed responses from the experts. The fact that farsan is still very regularly been fed to these birds despite these mixed reviews even in a city like Mumbai highlights the reality of extreme indiscipline and lack of respect for regulations and a complete indifference towards wellbeing of these migratory birds by the residents of this country and more so, of Mumbaikars.