Police in India Still Use Pigeons to Relay Messages

You might think carrier pigeons are strictly a thing of the past, but in Odisha, India, these feathered messengers still play an active role in police communications. When modern technology fails during disasters, these trained birds become essential lifelines. They've proven themselves repeatedly, like during the devastating 1999 super cyclone when all other communication methods went dark. But there's more to this unique service than just emergency backup – the story of India's police pigeons reveals something remarkable about adapting traditional methods in our digital age.

The Legacy of Pigeon Messaging in Odisha

While many regions have moved on to modern communication methods, Odisha's pigeon messaging service holds a unique place in India's history.

You'll find the historical significance of this service dates back to 1946, when it was established in Koraput district after World War II. The communication evolution can be traced through notable milestones, like Prime Minister Nehru's pigeon-carried message from Sambalpur to Cuttack in 1948. The messages they carry are written on onion paper for effective transmission.

What's remarkable is how the service expanded to 38 locations with over 1,500 pigeons at its peak. The pigeons are trained through three service modes including Static, Boomerang, and Mobile services.

Even during the 1982 flash floods and the 1999 super cyclone, these pigeons proved invaluable when modern systems failed.

Today, while officially discontinued since 2008, two lofts in Cuttack and Angul maintain about 150 Belgian Homer pigeons for ceremonial purposes.

How Police Train These Feathered Messengers

The success of Odisha's pigeon messaging system rests heavily on proper training methods.

You'll find that pigeon selection starts early, with handlers choosing Belgian Homer pigeons at 4-6 weeks old based on their homing instinct.

Training begins with short flights of 5-8 kilometers and gradually expands as the birds build familiarity with their routes.

These feathered messengers learn three key services: static (one-way delivery), boomerang (two-way communication), and mobile (from traveling lofts).

The birds receive careful attention to maintain their performance.

They eat 60 grams of mixed grains daily, split between morning and evening meals.

You'll see them drinking water treated with potassium permanganate, while handlers conduct daily health checks.

With proper care, these pigeons can serve 7-12 years, flying at speeds of 70-80 kilometers per hour.

These remarkable birds can cover distances of up to 1,800 kilometers during their missions.

The service proved invaluable during the 1982 flash floods when traditional communication methods were disrupted in Odisha.

Notable Achievements During Natural Disasters

Since establishing their messaging service, India's police pigeons have proven crucial during several major natural disasters.

During the 1982 flood, these birds were the only link to the marooned town of Banki, showcasing remarkable pigeon reliability in extreme conditions.

You'll find their most impressive work during the 1999 Super Cyclone in Odisha.

The service began in 1946 with 200 army pigeons and has maintained its vital role ever since.

When radio networks failed, pigeons stepped in to maintain essential communications between affected areas.

They've also played key roles in disaster coordination throughout the 1980s, helping authorities request assistance during multiple floods.

These feathered messengers operate from 29 police lofts across the state of Orissa.

These feathered messengers can cover up to 500 miles at once, flying at speeds of 55 km/h.

They've participated in 25 state-level operations, carrying crucial messages in tiny tubes strapped to their feet.

When modern technology fails, these birds consistently deliver.

Modern Challenges and Cultural Preservation

Modern communication networks may have revolutionized police operations, but India's police pigeon service faces complex adaptation challenges. You'll find that technological limitations, like slower message delivery and weather vulnerabilities, have reduced the service from 19 to just 2 pigeon lofts in Cuttack and Angul.

Yet, these birds maintain their cultural significance through ceremonial roles. You can spot them during Republic Day and Independence Day parades, where they symbolize peace and freedom. The police keep about 150 pigeons for these events and potential emergency communications. These remarkable birds can achieve speeds of 55 mph during their flights, making them still potentially valuable for emergency situations. Their usefulness was proven during the 1999 cyclone when traditional communication methods failed completely.

While maintaining trained staff and facilities is costly, the service adapts by exploring mobile pigeon units and backup communication systems. They're especially considering uses in remote areas where modern infrastructure isn't reliable.

Inside India's Last Remaining Pigeon Service

Dedicated handlers in Cuttack and Angul maintain India's last remaining pigeon service, caring for 150 Belgian Homer pigeons.

You'll find these remarkable birds start their day at 6 AM with health checks and training exercises to maintain their pigeon communication skills.

These birds aren't just for show – they've proven their historical significance time and again. During the 1999 super cyclone, when modern technology failed, these pigeons delivered vital messages. When modern systems fail, these pigeons remain a reliable backup for emergency communications.

Located in Odisha, this service represents the world's last active pigeon carrier operation of its kind.

They've served in 25 state-level operations and can cover impressive distances of 400-500 km at speeds up to 80 kmph.

While they're now mainly used for ceremonial purposes, these pigeons still demonstrate their capabilities.

At the 2023 Republic Day parade, 25 pigeons covered 30 km in just 29 minutes, showing they haven't lost their touch.