JOIN USEx-Dasara jumbos' vet ups the ante
Unfazed by the authorities decision to keep him off from taking care of Dasara elephants, veterinary officer Dr Ramesh has upped the ante.
On Thursday, Dr Ramesh petitioned additional principal chief conservator of forests (APCCF) B J Hosamath, chief conservator of forests (CCF) K B Markandaiah and deputy conservator of forest (DCF) Devaraj. This is his second attempt to fight for his responsibilities back, after handing over a similar petition to APCCF on September 17, that did not yield any results. In a sudden development Ramesh was replaced by Nagaraj on September 16. According to the order Nagaraj was handed over the responsibility of elephants, and Ramesh was asked to look after the routine works.
The veterinary officer has questioned the officers trio again about entrusting the task of elephants participating in Dasara to Dr Nagaraj. Nagaraj who belongs to the department of animal husbandry and veterinary services was posted to the forest department on deputation in the year 2000. Since then he was the caretaker of the elephants.
According to Ramesh, it was an opportunity for every veterinary officer to learn about nurturing elephants for Jamboo Savari. Taking cognisance of this, the higher ups decided to relieve Dr Nagaraj from the duty of Dasara elephants a few days before jamboo savari in the year 2011. However, the decision was subsequently revoked as the officers found it too risky to change the caretaker in the midst of the celebrations. But Dr Nagaraj was transferred to his home department after the festival and was replaced by Ramesh.
Now, in the changed scenario, Nagaraj is taking care of do’s and don’ts of jumbos pertaining to medicines, while Ramesh is taking care of the food needs of the jumbos.