Dealing Effectively with Overpopulation of Birds in HDB Estates

39 Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for National Development whether, in relation to the handling of complaints pertaining to overpopulation of birds in HDB estates, NParks should play a lead role in dealing with the complaints to ensure there is proper ownership and effective handling of the complaints.

Mr Desmond Lee: Town Councils are, generally, responsible for managing residents’ feedback on disamenities, including those from pest birds, such as pigeons and mynas.

NParks has been working closely with Town Councils and other agencies to address feedback related to pest birds, through upstream mitigating measures. For example, NParks advises Town Councils on the pruning of trees to discourage the roosting of birds and shares best practices for pest bird removal operations. Town Councils can make use of their operating funds to implement these measures.

In addition, as bird-feeding and human-generated food sources are key drivers of pest bird population growth, NParks works with Town Councils to raise public awareness about the negative impacts of illegal bird-feeding. NParks also conducts surveillance and targeted enforcement against such acts, while partnering agencies and Town Councils to encourage proper food waste management by residents and food establishments.

Continued collaboration between Town Councils and agencies is key to effectively managing pest bird-related feedback. NParks will continue to advise and support Town Councils on such matters.