India, Aug. 23 -- The state government has set up a 13-member expert committee to study the impact of pigeons' feathers and droppings on human health. It will also study whether controlled feeding is feasible, among other things. The committee, set up following a Bombay High Court order of August 13, is led by a senior health department officer. It has been mandated to submit its report within 30 days of its first meeting.

The development comes amid a controversy that has divided citizens in Mumbai. While some say feeding pigeons is a cultural and religious tradition, others point out that it is a serious health hazard. The debate was triggered after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) shut all the kabutarkhanas (pigeon-feeding ...