Driven by social media buzz, more than 10,000 spectators flock to witness elephants in action

Mysuru, Oct. 5 (MTY&BCT)- The Forest Department faced significant challenges in ensuring public safety during this year’s Dasara elephant training sessions, mainly due to the overwhelming turnout of spectators — including many from outside Karnataka, said Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Dr. I.B. Prabhugowda.

Speaking to Star of Mysore at the Mysore Palace premises, Dr. Prabhugowda explained that the festivities brought several logistical hurdles.

The influence of social media drew massive crowds along the training routes, eager to watch the elephants in action. On some days, over 10,000 people gathered to witness the sessions, with numbers steadily rising.

“Although the elephants remained calm and no untoward incidents occurred, managing the surging crowds while ensuring the safe movement of the elephants posed a serious challenge,” Dr. Prabhugowda said.

“Despite the massive turnout, the elephant squad stayed composed and performed admirably during procession,” he added.

25-kg of sharp iron fragments

He revealed that over 25 kilograms of sharp iron fragments were collected using a magnet trolley deployed ahead of the elephant squad during training sessions.

Before the elephants proceeded from the Palace to Bannimantap, a departmental vehicle would tow the magnet-equipped trolley along the route.

Each day, it gathered nearly half a kilogram of iron debris, including nails, nuts, bolts and other metallic objects. This precautionary step was crucial in protecting the elephants’ feet from injury.

By the end of the training phase, more than 25 kilograms of hazardous metal fragments had been cleared. Before the elephants returned to their forest camps, their feet were scanned with metal detectors.

During this inspection, a small bone fragment was discovered in the foot of Prashantha and was promptly removed. Earlier in training, a stone had pierced the foot of Bhima, which was also safely extracted.