Hyderabad CP Sajjanar urges public to protect Palapittas during Dasara

Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar appealed to the public to protect Palapittas, Telangana's state bird, during Dasara and avoid capturing, caging or trading them. He urged citizens to report cases of confinement and warned that harming protected birds could invite legal action under the Wildlife (Protection) Act.

Hyderabad: City Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar has urged people to protect Palapittas (Indian Rollers), the state bird of Telangana, and refrain from capturing, confining or selling them during the Dasara festival.

In a message shared on social media, Sajjanar expressed concern over reports of people clipping the birds’ wings, confining them in cages and using them for display in the name of auspicious Dasara traditions.

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He appealed to people not to encourage such practices and to celebrate the festival with compassion towards all living beings.

He said festivals should symbolise happiness, freedom and kindness rather than cause suffering to birds. The Indian Roller plays an important role in maintaining ecological balance and benefits farmers by feeding on insects and pests.

Capturing and trading protected wild birds can attract penal action under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Sajjanar urged citizens not to support the display of caged Palapittas and to help protect the state bird in its natural habitat. He asked people to report incidents of Palapittas being captured or confined by calling the toll-free numbers 18004255364 or 9803338666, or dialling 112.

The police commissioner called upon citizens to celebrate an eco-friendly Dasara by allowing Palapittas to fly freely in the sky rather than subjecting them to cruelty in the name of tradition.