Translocate Arikomban to Mangalavanam near Kerala HC building, pleads online petition

Kozhikode: An online campaign has been launched with a demand that the rogue elephant Arikomban should be relocated to Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, which is situated just 400 metre away from the Kerala High Court in Kochi. 

Initiated by one Athul MR, the petition in the Change.org platform pleads with the Kerala forest department, stating that Arikomban would be happier living the remainder of his life with the compassionate people of Ernakulam, who care for him deeply. The campaign apparently mocks the high court's division bench’s order to relocate the elephant to Parambikulam Tiger Reserve or another suitable forest designated by the state government.

The petition further argues that Ernakulam was once a forest where Aanathara (elephant pathway) also existed. It emphasises that throughout history, humans have encroached upon forests, and people living in rural high-range areas have the same rights to live with dignity and security as those in cities.

Previously, the court had ordered the government to relocate Arikomban to Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. However, in a plea filed by Nenmara MLA K Babu, the court recently stated that the government has the authority to decide the relocation location.

The verdict has been criticised by the Kerala forest minister, who argued that the court has burdened the government with the decision. The department anticipates trouble from local protests in any possible location for the elephant's translocation. 

The government is inclined to keep the elephant in captivity at Kodanad Elephant Training Centre. Critics of the court's verdict argue that the order amounts to judicial activism as the court is making executive decisions. The government has been given a week to decide on the matter.