Hyderabad Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar on Tuesday, 20 October appealed to citizens across the city to refrain from caging or clipping the wings of the Indian Roller (Palapitta) during Dussehra, calling for compassion and legal compliance during the festive season. The appeal comes as conservationists and the Telangana Forest Department raise fresh alarm over the declining sightings of the bird, which is Telangana's State bird.

What the Commissioner Said

Sajjanar took to social media to release a poster campaign under the slogan 'Act Now! Save Palapitta', urging residents to report any instance of the bird being caged or put on display. 'Festival means joy, freedom and compassion towards fellow beings. But, on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra, some people cut the wings of the Telangana State bird Indian Roller and keep them in cages for business,' he said in his appeal.

He further asked citizens to reflect on the cruelty involved: 'Think... How does it do anyone any good to see a dumb creature deprived of its freedom and tortured without food and water? How does one see good in that bird's agony?' The Commissioner emphasised that the Indian Roller is ecologically significant — a natural ally of farmers and a guardian of the environment.

The Legal Framework

Sajjanar reminded the public that the capture, sale, or public display of the Indian Roller is a criminal offence under the Wildlife Preservation Act, 1972. Violations can invite prosecution and penalties under the Act. He urged people not to encourage or participate in captive bird shows under any circumstances.

Citizens who spot a caged Indian Roller are asked to call the toll-free numbers 18004255364 or 9803338666, or dial 112 immediately to report the incident. The Telangana Forest Department has also made its own free helpline numbers available for reporting such cases.

Why It Happens and Why It Is Harmful

A widely held belief that sighting the Indian Roller on Dussehra brings good luck has driven a cruel trade around the bird every year. According to reports, captured birds often have their wings glued or feet bound to prevent escape during public displays. This inhumane treatment causes severe suffering and frequently leads to the bird's death within hours or days, reports indicate.

According to reports, the species faces mounting threats across India — including habitat loss, pesticide use, and illegal trapping — all of which have contributed to a measurable decline in sightings in recent years. Conservationists warn that unless enforcement is consistent around festive periods, the cumulative toll on wild populations could become irreversible.

Broader Conservation Context

This is not the first time authorities have issued such appeals ahead of Dussehra; animal welfare organisations and forest officials have raised the issue repeatedly over the past decade. Notably, the Palapitta was designated Telangana's State bird specifically to raise its cultural profile and deter exploitation. Despite this, enforcement remains patchy, and awareness campaigns have had to be renewed each year.

With both the police and forest department now coordinating public messaging, authorities appear to be mounting a more concerted effort this festive season to break the cycle of annual cruelty to the Indian Roller.