Bengaluru residents use strings to deter pigeons

Pigeons cause problems in urban areas, especially in Bengaluru, where their droppings can harm buildings and pose health risks. Residents are trying various methods to keep these birds away. In Sobha Indraprastha, a high-rise building, pigeons were resting near a swimming pool, creating unsanitary conditions. Arun Kalra, a former committee member, solved the issue by hanging thin strings across the pool area. This simple trick made it hard for pigeons to balance, leading them to leave the pool alone. Other residents are installing mesh nets on balconies to keep pigeons away. Bengaluru has lost a lot of green spaces, which has increased the pigeon population. Experts say that more trees would encourage natural predators, like hawks, to control the pigeon numbers. Sadhana Hegde, from an animal welfare group, explains that healthy green areas help maintain a balance in the ecosystem. Another residential area, Godrej Nurture, uses shiny objects like CDs and wind chimes to deter pigeons. However, some residents find the chimes disrupt their sleep at night. Balu Iyer, the president of Sobha Opal, confirmed that netting has proven to be the most effective solution for keeping pigeons away. Some residents initially worried that the nets would ruin their views, but many have found that the benefits, like cleaner properties and reduced maintenance costs, outweigh aesthetic concerns. Ranjitha Dinesh, a resident, even had a scare when her puppy got sick after licking pigeon droppings, prompting her to install nets immediately. Despite some success with these methods, challenges remain. Certain techniques, like spikes or reflective surfaces, haven't worked well for some residents. Community leaders are encouraging people to stop feeding pigeons, as this adds to the problem. Overall, the use of nets and community awareness efforts are helping residents manage the growing pigeon issue in Bengaluru, balancing animal welfare with public health concerns.