No established tradition of informing Palace on Ambari elephant selection: Forest Department

Mysuru: The Forest Department has clarified that there is no established practice of formally informing the Mysore Palace or members of Royal Family about the selection of the elephant to carry the Golden Howdah during Dasara.

However, to ensure coordination, the selection of Prashantha was conveyed to Pramoda Devi over phone, according to a report submitted by Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Mysuru Wildlife Division, Dr. I.B. Prabhugowda, to DC Reddy.

The report comes in response to Pramoda Devi’s allegation that, for the first time in 45 years, the Royal Family had not been informed about the selection of the Ambari elephant.

According to the report, 13 elephants were brought to Mysuru and they underwent regular training. On Sept. 1, the Conservator of Forests, Mysuru Circle, DCF, RFO and veterinary doctors met Pramoda Devi and briefed her on the elephants and selection of Ambari elephant.

On Sept. 3, the first batch of nine elephants arrived at Palace and Pramoda Devi inspected each elephant and discussed the selection process with officials.

She was told that the final choice would be made after assessing each elephant’s health, fitness, load-bearing capacity and performance during training.

The report states that the selection process was discussed with Pramoda Devi over phone on Oct. 11. On Oct. 12, at 5.44 pm, officials explained to her the decision to select Prashantha to carry the Ambari, keeping in mind the safety of both the elephant and public, the DCF said.

After obtaining approval from higher authorities, the Forest Department issued a press release announcing Prashantha’s selection on Oct. 13.

The Department reiterated that there was no established practice of sending a separate written communication to the Palace about the selection. However, it said the key aspects of the process had been explained to Pramoda Devi over phone at 5.44 pm on Oct. 12.

The DCF said they had followed all procedures in selecting Ambari elephant. The report includes proceedings of Oct. 13 meeting on elephant selection.