Festive seasons often bring joy and celebration, but they can also bring severe cruelty towards voiceless creatures disguised as tradition. Addressing this issue, Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar issued a firm public appeal on October 20, urging citizens to immediately dial toll-free numbers 18004255364, 9803338666, or 112 if they spot a caged Indian Roller bird. The primary objective behind this directive is to ensure a cruelty-free Dussehra while protecting the state bird from inhumane treatment during the celebrations.
The Threat Facing Telangana State Bird
Sharing his message across social media platforms, VC Sajjanar emphasized that the true essence of any festival lies in happiness, freedom, and compassion toward all living beings. However, on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra, certain individuals capture Telangana's state bird, the Indian Roller, clip its wings, and confine it inside cages for commercial purposes. Raising a thought-provoking question, he asked how anyone could find goodness in the suffering of a voiceless creature that is deprived of its freedom and left to struggle without food and water.
Superstition, Cruelty, and Environmental Value
A widespread belief suggests that catching a glimpse of the Indian Roller on Dussehra brings good luck and prosperity. Unfortunately, to ensure sightings, these birds are captured mercilessly from the wild, their feathers are smeared with glue, or their legs are bound to prevent them from flying. This inhumane treatment causes immense agony, frequently leading to the bird's death shortly afterward. VC Sajjanar pointed out that the Indian Roller is an environmental protector and a farmer's true friend, noting that its flight across the open blue sky represents the true beauty of nature and the dignity of society.
Legal Consequences and Strict Directives
Under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, capturing, selling, or displaying the Indian Roller is a punishable offense. Authorities have called upon the public to act as responsible citizens and grant freedom to these defenseless animals rather than encouraging caged bird displays under any circumstances. Citizens have been instructed to immediately report any sightings of captive Indian Rollers to the designated helpline numbers so that prompt legal action can be taken against the offenders.
Poster Release and Forest Department Warnings
To spread awareness further, VC Sajjanar, alongside other officials, released official posters featuring the slogan 'Act Now, Save the Roller'. Furthermore, the Telangana Forest Department has joined the initiative, appealing to residents to protect the state bird and celebrate a cruelty-free festival by reporting any illegal capture or display to departmental helplines. According to various reports, this species faces severe threats across the country, with mounting concerns over its declining population due to habitat loss, heavy pesticide use, and illegal poaching.
Growing Dangers to Wildlife Survival
Environmental assessments highlight that the species is struggling against multiple pressures that endanger its long-term survival in the wild. A recent report points out that shrinking natural habitats, widespread agricultural chemical usage, and unlawful trapping represent the principal threats to the continued existence of the Indian Roller. Public awareness and strict enforcement of conservation laws remain crucial in safeguarding these vulnerable creatures from seasonal exploitation.
