Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Police Pigeon Service took flight today at the ‘Nyaya Sanhita Exhibition’, held at Unit-3, IDCO Exhibition Ground. As part of the demonstration, 18 Belgian Homing Pigeons were dispatched from Bhubaneswar to Cuttack in two batches, carrying messages in small capsules tied to their legs — reviving the legacy of the historic “pigeon post.”
Known for their exceptional navigation skills, Belgian Homing Pigeons possess a natural iron structure in their beaks, allowing them to sense the earth’s magnetic field. This unique ability enables them to reach their destinations accurately, even from miles away.
The tradition dates back to 1946, when Odisha Police first received 200 pigeons from the American Army. Originally used as an experimental communication system in the hilly Koraput district, it later expanded into a network of over 700 pigeons. The service proved vital when modern communication failed during the Banki floods of 1982 and the 1999 cyclone.
The exhibition also recalled a historic event in April 1948, when Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru sent a letter from Sambalpur to Cuttack. While Nehru’s car took seven hours, the pigeon delivered the message in just five. These birds can fly at speeds of around 55 km/h.
Despite the digital age, the Odisha government continues to preserve this 70-year-old tradition. Today, pigeons are being specially trained at the Cuttack and Angul Police Training Centres. The service operates in three categories: Static (single-faced), Boomerang (double-faced), and Mobile.
The demonstration pays homage to the 32 pigeons awarded medals for bravery during World War II and to the countless others that aided the state during disasters.
