Metal detectors, thermal scanners guard Dasara elephants’ feet

Mysuru: As the Dasara festivities approach, the Forest Department is keeping a close watch on the health of the elephants taking part in the grand Jumboo Savari procession. After every training session, the elephants’ feet are checked using metal detectors and thermal scanners to ensure their safety.

The Dasara elephant team is taken daily from the Palace through Chamaraja Wadiyar Circle, Krishnaraja Wadiyar Circle, Sayyaji Rao Road, Ayurveda Circle, Old RMC, Bamboo Bazaar, Highway Circle and Nelson Mandela Road, before reaching the Torchlight Parade Grounds at Bannimantap.

The elephants cover around 5-km on this route as part of their regular training for the Jumboo Savari. During the training, a jeep pulls a magnet trolley ahead of the elephants. The trolley collects iron fragments, nails, pins and other sharp objects lying on the road.

Nearly half a kilogram of sharp iron pieces and nails are collected every day from the route between the Palace and Bannimantap. The exercise plays an important role in protecting the elephants’ feet.

However, some sharp objects may escape the trolley and can pierce the elephants’ feet.

After the training, the elephants are fed water and allowed to rest before their feet are checked under the guidance of Conservator of Forests Dr. Ravishankar and Deputy Conservator of Forests Dr. I.B. Prabhugowda. Veterinary doctor Dr. Adarsh and RFO Yashma Machamma led the inspection using metal detectors.

Close scan

All 12 elephants are made to lie down and each of their four feet is scanned. If any iron fragments are found lodged in the feet, they are carefully removed and the affected area is treated.

After the metal detector check, the elephants’ feet undergo thermal scanning. This helps detect internal problems or injuries that may not be visible externally, making it an important part of their foot care.

The Dasara elephants walk daily on concrete and asphalt roads, causing their feet to become soft. In the forest, their feet naturally harden while walking on stones and soil. However, continuous walking and training on city roads wear down the skin and leave the feet more vulnerable.

As a result, even small iron fragments, nails, needles, pins, nuts and bolts can pierce their feet. The use of metal detectors and thermal scanning by the Forest Department has therefore become an important safeguard for the elephants during their training routine.