Hyderabad: Dont be cruel to Palapitta this Dasara festival, says HSI

Indian Roller also known as Indian Blue Jay, the Palapitta is considered to be auspicious and people try to have a glimpse of the bird during Dasara.

Hyderabad: The Humane Society International/India (HSI/India) on Friday urged devotees to avoid cruel treatment of Palapitta or Indian Roller, which is the State bird of Telangana, during the Dasara festival. Also known as Indian Blue Jay, the Palapitta is considered to be auspicious and people try to have a glimpse of the bird during Dasara.

To cash-in on the belief, many traders capture wild Palapittas, starve them and exhibit them during the festival. Most of these birds die of stress, exhaustion or starvation and even if they are released back into the wild, they stand no chance of survival, HSI, India said.

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Despite being protected under Schedule II of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, Palapittas are frequently captured, starved, and subjected to cruel practices such as gluing and trimming their wings for public display.

“This Dasara, we urge the public to choose kindness over cruelty and celebrate the festival by advocating for the freedom and protection of Palapittas. We also appeal citizens to not support poachers by being silent bystanders,” Mishi Aggarwal, cruelty response specialist, Humane Society International/India (HSI/India) said.

If you witness any mistreatment, report to the Forest Department promptly. Helpline: report any illegal activity on 18004255364 or WhatsApp on 9803338666.