World’s only pigeon mail service

Shibashish Dash.

There are several traditions from around the world that may appear a little strange, but to many, they are part of their history and heritage. .
Odisha Police Pigeon Service was started in 1946 when 200 pigeons were handed over to the state’s police personnel by the army on an experimental basis to communicate in remote areas with no wireless or telephone links. The messages, written on a piece of paper, were rolled and inserted into tiny plastic capsules and tied to the feet of the pigeons. First started in the mountainous Koraput district, this ancient system of sending missives was later introduced in all districts. Soon after, the Police Pigeon Service’s headquarters was established in Cuttack where a breeding centre for Belgian Homer pigeons was set up.
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With the advent of modern communication tools and newer technologies, the heritage courier service of Odisha Police has been abandoned. This unique aspect of Odisha heritage should be highlighted. Maintaining the pigeon service would be a stark example of keeping tradition along with modernity.