Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar has urged residents not to capture, confine, sell or display Palapittas, or Indian Rollers, during Dasara, warning that harming protected wild birds could invite legal action under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
In a message shared on social media, Sajjanar expressed concern over reports of people clipping the birds’ wings, keeping them in cages and using them for display as part of Dasara practices. He appealed to citizens not to encourage the capture or confinement of Telangana’s state bird.
Sajjanar said festivals should represent happiness, freedom and kindness towards living beings rather than cause suffering to birds. He called on residents to celebrate an eco-friendly Dasara by allowing Palapittas to remain free in their natural habitat.
The Indian Roller also contributes to ecological balance and benefits farmers by feeding on insects and pests, according to the report. The police warning places the issue within both wildlife protection and public responsibility, asking citizens not to support the display or trade of caged birds.
The commissioner urged residents to report cases involving Palapittas being captured or confined. Complaints can be made through the toll-free numbers 18004255364 and 9803338666, or by dialling 112.
The advisory comes as Dasara celebrations bring renewed attention to practices involving the state bird. Hyderabad Police has asked citizens to report violations and help ensure that Palapittas are not subjected to cruelty in the name of festival traditions.
