Three Dasara elephants on wild elephant capture duty

Just 4 days before Gajapayana…

Dhananjaya, Prashanth and Sugreeva capturing rogue elephants in Kodagu

Mysuru: Concerns have been raised over the deployment of three elephants selected for this year’s Dasara festivities in wild elephant capture operations, with only four days remaining for their ceremonial march to Mysuru.

Twelve elephants have been selected for this year’s Dasara, eight males and four females. The first batch of seven males and two females is scheduled to arrive in Mysuru on Aug. 26 through the traditional Gajapayana (elephant march) from Veeranahosahalli in the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve.

Despite Gajapayana being just days away, three elephants from the first batch have been deployed in operations to capture wild elephants creating problems near Siddapur in Kodagu district. The Forest Department had ordered the capture of three elephants and the operation began on Aug. 18.

Dhananjaya, Prashanth and Sugreeva from Dubare Elephant Camp, along with Eshwara, Lakshmana and Ajeya from Harangi Elephant Camp, were deployed for the operation. The team captured one male elephant on Aug. 19 and another yesterday afternoon, while one more remains to be captured.

Criticism over timing

The deployment of Dasara elephants in the capture operation has drawn criticism from elephant lovers.

With the Gajapayana scheduled in just four days, they questioned the decision to involve Dhananjaya, Prashanth and Sugreeva, who are part of the first batch scheduled to travel to Mysuru.

Traditionally, elephants selected for Dasara are kept at camps well in advance for monitoring, health checks and specialised training. This year, however, some of the selected elephants have continued to be involved in capture operations almost until the eve of their departure, prompting objections.

Supporters of the Dasara elephants said, the animals, their mahouts, assistants (kavadis) and families need sufficient time to prepare for the journey to Mysuru. They urged the Forest Department to immediately bring the elephants back to camp and begin preparations for the festival.

Health concerns

With Dasara approaching, the health and well-being of the elephants are crucial, as even minor health issues could affect their participation in the Jumboo Savari procession. Against this backdrop, the deployment of three key Dasara elephants in strenuous capture operations has come under criticism.

“Had this been during ordinary times, objections might not have arisen. But with only four days left before the elephants are to travel to Mysuru, involving them in such strenuous operations is inappropriate. Ideally, Dasara elephants should have been kept in camp at least 15 days earlier, with proper care and specialised training for the grand procession,” said M.S. Gururaj Shetty of Devaraja Mohalla.

“If the health of these elephants suffers due to the ongoing operations, who will be held accountable?” he asked, urging the Forest Department to immediately return the Dasara elephants to camp and ensure they are properly cared for and prepared for the festival.