Delineation of Responsibilities between NParks and Town Councils in Pigeon Nuisance Issues

9 Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the delineation of responsibilities between NParks and Town Councils in dealing with pigeon nuisance issues; and (b) whether the current working arrangements are assessed to be successful in reducing pigeon-related feedback by residents.

Mr Desmond Lee: Town Councils are, generally, responsible for managing disamenities and residents' feedback arising from pest birds, such as pigeons. The National Parks Board (NParks) advises Town Councils on upstream measures to mitigate such disamenities, such as the planting of certain tree species or pruning of existing trees, to discourage pigeon roosting, as well as best practices for pigeon removal operations.

As bird-feeding is a key driver of pest bird population growth, NParks conducts surveillance and targeted enforcement against such acts. In addition, NParks works with Town Councils to raise public awareness about the negative impact of illegal bird-feeding, while partnering agencies and Town Councils to encourage proper food waste management by residents and food establishments.

This collaborative and multi-pronged approach to pest bird management has helped to mitigate the disamenities caused by pigeons and to reduce related feedback in recent years. NParks will continue to advise and support Town Councils on such matters.