Hyderabad: The Telangana state endowment commissioner has issued notice barring all temples from displaying Palapitta, the state bird. The commissioner warned of strict action if anyone was found encouraging the capture, trade and display of these birds during Dasara.
Palapittas, a protected species, are considered lucky omens if spotted during Dasara. Poachers capture the birds a month before the festival, tie their legs with thread, trim their wings and stick them with glue to prevent them from flying. The birds are usually starved up till Dasara and kept in small cages for public viewing.
Ms C. Samyukta, wildlife campaign manager for Humane Society International, which had written to the government regarding the plight of Palapittas, said: “We will be following up with the endowment department to ensure the commissioner’s orders are followed.”
