The Hindu : Suspend elephant transportation: Centre

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Nov 19, 2003

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Suspend elephant transportation: Centre

New Delhi Nov. 18. The Centre today asked the Tamil Nadu Government to suspend transportation of elephants, belonging to temples, mutts and the Forest department, to the rejuvenation camp in the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary until the matter was reviewed by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests.

An official release here said the Centre had sought a factual report from the State Government.

The Centre's action comes in the wake of media reports of physical torture being meted out to a large number of elephants during transport.

``The Centre has asked the State Government to provide a factual report on the issue. The State Government has also been asked to put on hold the transportation of these elephants till such time the matter is reviewed by the Ministry, the release said. — UNI

TN committed to success of camp

Our Chennai Special Correspondent reports:

Reacting to the Centre's directive, the State Government said, all elephants had safely reached the camps and there would be no further transportation. Therefore, the question of putting on hold the translocation of elephants did not arise.

A factual report would be duly sent to the Government of India. ``The Government of Tamil Nadu is fully committed to the success of this scheme'', says a release.

This unique scheme to run rejuvenation camps, which would restore the health of the elephants, nourish their bodies and provide them rest and leisure, began on November 16. As many as 100 elephants - 37 belonging to temples, 18 to mutts and private individuals and 45 to the Forest department — had reached the camp sites on November 16 itself. The elephants were transported with care and security, including provision of veterinary cover and they now started their sojourn in the camps. Elaborate arrangements including food, fodder and medical supplies, watch and ward as well as accommodation for mahouts were made and the camps began in full swing.

The scheme evoked wide-scale appreciation from all sections including the media, the release said.

Our Udhagamandalam Staff Reporter reports:

The Nilgiris Collector, K. Sellamuthu, and the Conservator of Forests T.Sekhar, told The Hindu that all activities associated with the month-long camp at Theppakkadu were going on as usual.

There was no instruction from any quarter to end the camp for alleged violation of forest rules, he said.

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