Archive · 19 Dec 2025
Centre: No Specific Plans for Pala Pitta Protection
The Indian roller, also known as the Pala Pitta, is a bird that is very important in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha.
It is the state bird of Telangana and is seen as a symbol of good luck, especially during the Dasara festival.
Recently, the government said that there are no special plans to protect this bird, even though its numbers have gone down by 30% in the last few years.
The bird is protected by law, which means people are not allowed to hunt it.
However, the government is worried about poaching and the loss of the bird's habitat.
A group called the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has also said that the bird is now in danger and needs more protection.
The Centre has stated there are no specific plans for the protection of the Indian roller (Pala Pitta), the state bird of Telangana.
The Indian roller is protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, which prohibits hunting.
Poaching and habitat loss are the main threats to the Indian roller, according to Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav.
The IUCN upgraded the Indian roller's status from 'Least Concern' to 'Near Threatened' in October, indicating increased risk.
Dr K. Laxman of the BJP highlighted the cultural significance of the Indian roller, noting a 30% decline in its population across its range.
- Who
- Union environment, forests and climate change minister Bhupender Yadav and Dr K. Laxman of the BJP
- What
- No specific protection plans for the Indian roller (Pala Pitta)
- When
- Response given in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday
- Where
- Hyderabad, Telangana (where the Indian roller is the state bird)
- Why
- The Indian roller is protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, but no species-specific action plan exists
- Species
- Indian roller (Pala Pitta)
- Protection Status
- Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act
- Current Threat Level
- Near Threatened (IUCN)
- Major Threats
- Poaching and habitat loss
- Cultural Significance
- Harbinger of good fortune, especially during Dasara festival in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha