Mysuru: Handling captive elephants is physically demanding and calls for considerable experience, courage and familiarity with the animals.

Elephants released into nearby forests for grazing often wander 8 to 10 km from their camps. If they do not return by morning, Mahouts and Kavadis have to enter the forest, track them down and bring them back. At times, they have to do this while negotiating terrain where wild animals may be present.

They are also responsible for collecting nearly 300-kg of fresh fodder every day for each elephant. This involves cutting and gathering leaves and branches from trees.

Experienced Mahouts allege that only a few of the selected candidates possess these skills. They also point out that several assistants who have worked for years in elephant camps have been left out of the selection.

‘Do not tarnish the profession’

Mahouts and Kavadis have accused certain Forest Department officials of favouring candidates without adequately assessing their experience and ability to handle elephants.

They have questioned whether people from unrelated professional backgrounds can take up such responsibilities and who would be held accountable if an accident occurs.

The skills required to handle elephants have traditionally been passed down through generations of Mahout and Kavadi families.

“This is not a desk job that can be done sitting in an office,” they said, demanding a detailed inquiry into the recruitment process and action against officials found responsible for irregularities. They have also warned that they would approach the Lokayukta.