Activists question govt over use of elephants in processions

Bengaluru: The use of elephants in ceremonial events has once again come to the fore with activists on Thursday questioning the need for bringing private elephants for an event scheduled to be held in the city on Friday.

In a letter issued to a mutt trust based in Nonavinakere of Tiptur (Tumakuru district), Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Wildlife, P C Ray has permitted the use of a female elephant belonging to the mutt for the inauguration of a renovated temple.

The letter, a copy of which is available with DH, permits the use of the elephant under the rules laid down by government order dated September 11, 2017 (FEE 248 FWL 2015). The order comes with a set of guidelines for 'Management and maintenance of privately owned elephants in Karnataka state'.

These guidelines were issued following an order by the High Court of Karnataka (WP 4610 of 2013). On November 23, 2015, a division bench of the court barred the use of elephants in any such events. "We direct the authorities to formulate guidelines for prohibiting the use of elephants in any form of begging, performance or procession, in consultation with all concerned in the matter," the court order said.

Arun Prasad, member of the Bengaluru Urban district Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said the government's order and guidelines were in violation of the HC order.

"The 10(f) of the guidelines allowing procession and display of private elephants is in complete violation of the court order. Officials know the difference between prohibition and regulation. We will take legal recourse if they do not end this practice," he added.

DH wrote a detailed query to the office of the PCCF (Wildlife) but did not receive a response. Sources in the department, however, said several permissions were given for use of elephants in processions every year.
Suparna Ganguly of the Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA) said elephants suffer greatly when they were put amidst crowds and processions.

"They are not meant for such situations. These events will have long-lasting impacts on their mind similar to a trauma. Even physically they cannot suffer the long-rides on a truck," she added.