The Kerala government is considering going for an appeal against a recent High Court judgement that imposed new rules for elephant participation in festivals. The court has set strict guidelines, including a distance limit of eight metres between elephants and people, including within temple grounds. The ruling also restricts the transportation of elephants, stating that they should not be moved in vehicles between 10:00 pm and 4:00 am and should not travel more than 30 kilometres in a single day.
Minister responds to concerns
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Kerala’s Minister for Forests and Wildlife Protection, A K Saseendran, has said the government is carefully considering the ruling. "Necessary action is needed to conduct festivals, including Thrissur Pooram, in the traditional manner without any hindrance. The safety of people and the protection of elephants must be ensured. Therefore, further action will be taken after studying the practical aspects," he said.
Workshop to discuss wildlife management guidelines
To address concerns, the Forest Department has organised a workshop on November 20 to discuss the draft wildlife management regulations. The workshop will involve key stakeholders, including representatives from various Devaswoms (temple trusts), elephant owners’ representatives, NGOs, legal experts, and senior officials. The discussions will focus on the practical aspects of the new guidelines, and the outcomes will inform the government's next steps in the ongoing legal proceedings.
Published: 16 Nov 2024, 09:34 am IST
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