Metro India News | Hyderabad 

A total of 20 Indian Roller birds, locally known as Palapitta and recognised as the state bird of Telangana, were rescued by NGOs in Hyderabad during this year’s Dussehra festival. The Greater Hyderabad Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GHSPCA) led the operation, rescuing six birds from four different locations with a 20-member volunteer team.

GHSPCA coordinator Soudharm Bhandari said one bird was seized from Nayeb Pets Shop in Abids after it was being sold for Rs 3,000. The shopkeeper was instructed to refund the amount before the bird was confiscated. Three more birds were rescued from Tadbund Hanuman Temple, one from the Mahakali Police Station area, and one from Astalaxmi Temple in RK Puram. Many other birds managed to escape before the teams arrived, despite multiple public leads.

All rescued birds were dehydrated and stressed. They are currently under observation by veterinary doctor V. Chaitanya and will be released back into the wild once they recover.

Bhandari explained that Indian Rollers are captured every year during Dussehra due to a deep-rooted superstition that seeing or handling the bird brings good luck or absolves sins. Many are caged, have their wings clipped, or are even glued to prevent them from flying. This often leads to severe stress, injuries, and death before or after the festival.

Despite being protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, poaching incidents have risen again in recent years. GHSPCA’s records show 3 birds rescued in 2019, 5 in 2020, 11 in 2021, 8 in 2022 and 2023, and 9 in 2024.

Animal Warriors Conservation Society (AWCS) has also been active in combating this illegal trade. Pradeep Parakuuth from AWCS said their team focuses on filing legal cases against offenders and rescued more than eight birds last year, including an Indian Pitta that was initially thought to be a Palapitta. Citizens are urged to report any caged or displayed Palapitta birds by calling GHSPCA at 9394578568 or 8886743881, or AWCS at +91 96978 87888.