Odishas carrier pigeon service still maintains a fleet of around 150 birds, though their purpose ... [+] has grown increasingly ceremonial.gettyThe image of a pigeon soaring across the sky with a message tucked securely in its leg may seem like a scene from history. Yet, in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, carrier pigeons still play a role in police operations, serving as a poignant reminder of their once-critical role in communication.This enduring service is a testament to the resilience and reliability of these remarkable birds who have repeatedly proven their worth, particularly during catastrophic events in the previous century when modern communication systems faltered.The Last Of Its KindOdishas carrier pigeon service is a unique institutionthe only operational government-run pigeon messaging system in the world today.Established in 1946, the service has since dwindled in scale but remains functional. The Odisha police currently maintains a fleet of about 150 Belgian homing pigeons, primarily housed at the Police Pigeon Service Center in Cuttack. The pigeons are trained to cover distances of up to 500 kilometers (311 miles) and maintain an impressive accuracy rate.While often dismissed as relics of the past, the pigeons still demonstrated their utility during large-scale disasters in the state in the late 20th century.When Odisha was inundated by the devastating floods of 1982, and again when it was battered by the super cyclone of 1999, communication networks crumbled under natures fury. In these desperate times, the state police turned to their trusted feathered messengers to carry critical information.MORE FOR YOUFlying through the chaos, these pigeons carried life-saving messages between remote areas and emergency response teams, ensuring timely coordination of relief efforts.A Slow March Toward ObsolescenceCarrier pigeons were heroes in some of Odishas darkest hours, though that has not stopped the future of their service from hanging by a thread.Once the backbone of military and civil communication, these birds began to lose relevance with the advent of the telegraph in the 19th century. The development of radio, telephone and eventually, the internet further marginalized their role.By the mid-20th century, most countries had retired their carrier pigeon services. However, their contributions during both World Wars, where they delivered important, sensitive information across enemy lines, remain legendary.Despite their obsolescence in most parts of the world, Odishas police have clung to pigeons as a backup communication, a nod to tradition and practicality. But thats not to say they have escaped clutches of progress.Advances in technology over the last quarter centurycellphone towers have now made their way to even the most remote regions of Indiahave rendered these carrier pigeons largely obsolete even in Odisha, with younger generations seeing little value in preserving this practice.The state government spends around $6,000 annually for the upkeep of the pigeons and the salaries of the staff who train them and look after them daily. Its a cost theyre finding increasingly harder to justify, especially since the pigeons are now used only for ceremonial purposes like Independence Day and Republic Day parades.A Tale Of Two Pigeons: Passenger vs. CarrierCarrier pigeons are a general term for various varieties of domestic pigeons. Belonging to the subspecies Columba livia domestica, a domesticated variant of the rock pigeon, they have been selectively bred for their homing ability.These pigeons can find their way back to their lofts from unfamiliar locations with astonishing precision. Its an ability linked to their use of visual landmarks, the Earths magnetic fields and even olfactory cuesa combination of biological adaptations that makes them unparalleled navigators.On the other hand, their more famous cousins, passenger pigeons (Ectopistes migratorius) tell a tragic story of extinction. Passenger pigeons once numbered in the billions in North America, forming some of the largest flocks ever recorded. However, relentless hunting and habitat destruction wiped them out, with the last known individual, Martha, dying in captivity at the Cincinnati Zoo in 1914.Passenger pigeons were built for long-distance migration and speed but lacked the navigational ... [+] instincts of carrier pigeons. Tragically, they were driven to extinction by overhunting and habitat destruction, with the last known individual, Martha, dying in 1914.gettyUnlike passenger pigeons, which were wild and relied on safety in numbers, carrier pigeons are highly trained and disciplined. While they are losing relevance, they are not threatened or endangered.A Symbol of ResilienceBudgetary constraints and a lack of interest have threatened to clip the wings of Odishas once-thriving carrier pigeon service. Yet, as history has shown, we cannot underestimate the utility of these birds in emergencies.These birds have proven they are more than just a communication tool; they are symbols of an enduring bond between humans and animals.They remain a living legacy of communication methods that, though archaic, hold lessons in resilience and adaptability. As the world hurtles toward an increasingly digital future, preserving such traditions will serve as a reminder of the ingenuity and resourcefulness of generations past.Ever wondered how deeply you connect with animals? As carrier pigeons fade into history, our bond with pets remains stronger than ever. Take the Pet Personality Scale to uncover your pet's unique traitsand understand your own connection with them.