Times have changed, traditions have shifted. In the present era, there is no separate need to write letters to communicate with one another. Now the only medium to express your thoughts is the smartphone in your hand. From talking to friends to keeping in touch with family – it's possible within seconds through text messages on the phone. But do you know that even today, somewhere in India, the practice of sending letters through pigeons still exists?
To answer in one word – Odisha. Odisha police personnel have kept alive a century-old tradition. Post offices were not used for sending letters. Hundreds of pigeons were employed instead. Letters were delivered by tying them to their legs. However, this practice stopped after 2008. But even now, the Odisha police have around 150 pigeons preserved in their custody.
When did this practice begin?
This system started during the British era. At that time, pigeons were used for communication between one police station and another. Currently, the Carrier Pigeon Service has more than 100 Belgian Homer pigeons.
Regarding this matter, a police officer from Cuttack district informed that pigeons are being preserved in this way to maintain tradition for future generations.
What are the special features of Belgian Homer pigeons?
These pigeons are capable of flying at a speed of 55 kilometres per hour. They can fly continuously for about 500 miles, which is 800 kilometres.
For the past four decades, they have repeatedly come forward to help people. Belgian Homer pigeons have also helped during two emergency situations.
What does history say?
In 1946, the Indian Army handed over 200 pigeons to the Odisha state police. After that, the pigeons were trained for 6 weeks. They were taught the routes from one police station to another.
How did pigeons carry letters?
Odisha police would write the necessary information on small pieces of paper. These would be wrapped in a plastic capsule and tied to the pigeon's leg. Later, they would be released from their cages to fly.
How have pigeons stood by humans?
As an example, one can mention the terrible floods of 1982. At that time, police used pigeons to communicate with local people. Besides this, during the super cyclone and flood situation in 1999, pigeons came forward to help common people.
Are letters still sent through pigeons now?
After March 2008, the official practice of sending letters through pigeons stopped in Odisha. Currently, there is a practice of releasing hundreds of pigeons as exhibitions during Republic Day and Independence Day ceremonies or in parades.
