Telangana Bans Display of State Bird Palapitta during Dasara

By Express News Service

Published: 17th September 2015 04:21 AM

Last Updated: 17th September 2015 04:31 AM

HYDERABAD: The Telangana government has banned the display of the State bird, Palapitta at temples during Dasara festival. In a recent notice issued to all temples across the state, the Endowment Commissioner warned of strict action against defaulters.

In Telangana, Palapittas are believed to bring luck when seen on the eve of Dasara festival. Every year, innumerous birds would be captured by poachers and displayed at temples. Often, the birds would be treated inhumanly in this process.

In a press release, the Humane Society of India, an organisation that works for protection of animals, stated that poachers typically capture the birds a month before the festival. They tie the legs of birds with a thread, trim their wings and stick them with glue to prevent them from flying. The birds are usually starved till the day of Dasara and kept in small cages for public viewing. Most of these birds die in captivity or immediately after being released.

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Palapitta, the state bird of four states at risk of being illegally captured by poachers for Dusshera

Summary: The society said poachers and traders take advantage of the common belief that the sighting of Palapittas is a lucky omen during the Hindu festival of Dusshera. The birds are usually starved up till the day of Dusshera and kept in small cages for public viewing, the society explained. These birds are often sold or placed outside temples for viewing during Dusshera.

HYDERABAD: The Humane Society International/India has urged the Telangana government officials to crack down on the cruel capture and trade of the Palapitta (also known as the Indian roller or blue jay). The society said poachers and traders take advantage of the common belief that the sighting of Palapittas is a lucky omen during the Hindu festival of Dusshera. Poachers typically capture the birds a month before the festival, tie their legs with thread, trim their wings and stick them with glue to prevent them from flying. The birds are usually starved up till the day of Dusshera and kept in small cages for public viewing, the society explained. Most of these birds die in captivity or immediately after being released. In response to a letter sent by HSI/India, Telangana`s Department of Animal Husbandry called on the state`s Director General of Police, State Forest Department and State Animal Welfare Board to work in tandem and take necessary actions to strictly monitor the illegal capture and trade of Palapitta, which is the state bird of Telangana. 

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