Bengaluru: Karnataka Forest, Environment and Ecology Minister Ramalinga Reddy has directed officials to formulate and strictly implement comprehensive guidelines governing the use of elephants in religious festivals, fairs and other public events following an incident involving a forest department elephant during the Shivamogga Dasara procession.
The minister has instructed Additional Chief Secretary Ajum Parvez to take all necessary precautionary measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
On October 21, Somanna, an elephant from the Sakrebailu Elephant Camp, suddenly went out of control while carrying the ceremonial ambari during the Dasara procession in Shivamogga. The incident damaged a car and several two-wheelers and triggered panic among people at the venue. Forest department personnel acted swiftly to bring the elephant under control. No casualties were reported.
Reddy noted that elephants could become stressed and agitated amid large crowds, firecracker bursts, loud musical instruments and other intense noises during public celebrations. He stressed that their physical and mental well-being must be prioritised whenever they are deployed for such events.
Under the proposed guidelines, organisers must obtain prior permission from the competent authority at least one month before an event. Elephants participating in processions or other programmes must undergo a minimum of 20 days of preparatory training.
Officials must also verify that the animals are physically and mentally fit to participate and can cope with crowds, commotion and loud noises before granting permission. Adequate safeguards must be in place to protect both the elephants and the public throughout the event.
The minister has directed the forest department to issue clear and comprehensive guidelines urgently and ensure their strict enforcement without yielding to external pressure.