Dasara elephants arrive in Mysuru, set tone for festivities
Mysuru Dasara
zing is back with the arrival of caparisoned elephants on Monday. Nine Dasara elephants, led by Howdah elephant Abhimanyu, arrived in Mysuru city late on Monday after they received a traditional welcome at Veeranahosahalli, Hunsur, earlier in the day.
The arrival of elephants has set the festival tone.
The first batch of nine elephants includes Abhimanyu, Bheema, and Ekalavya from Mattigodu Elephant Camp of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve; Mahendra and Lakshmi from Balle Camp of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve; and Prashantha, Dhananjaya, Kanjan, and Kaveri from Dubare of Madikeri Wildlife Division.
The second batch of five other elephants, Srikanta, Roopa, Hemavathi, three new elephants, and Sugreeva and Gopi, will arrive early next month.
All nine elephants arrived at Aranya Bhavana, the forest department headquarters in Mysuru, after travelling 70 km from the forest. Foresters have selected 14 elephants for the Dasara celebration, which commences on Sept 22 and concludes with a grand procession on Oct 2.
For the first time, the crowd came in large numbers for the Gajapayana, the journey of elephants from the woods to the city to take part in the festival.
Mahadev, who witnessed the grand event Gajapayana for the last decade, said, "Usually the event was held before 10am, but this year it was organised at 12 noon. This provided ample time for people to witness the event. As thousands of people turned up for the event, police had a tough time controlling the crowd."
On the occasion, a booklet containing details of elephants was released along with posters of the festival.
Minister urges for protection of wildlife
While we admire wildlife on safaris and marvel at the grandeur of caparisoned elephants during the Dasara procession, we must also shoulder the responsibility of protecting them, said minister for forest, zoology, and environment Eshwar Khandre.
Speaking at Veeranahosahalli in Hunsur taluk after performing a traditional welcome for the first batch of nine elephants participating in this year's Dasara festivities, Khandre expressed concern over rising wildlife deaths.
He cited incidents involving electrocution from illegal fencing, snaring of leopards, and recent poisoning cases in the Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.
"Every creature born on Earth has the right to live. We have encroached upon their habitats—it is our duty to protect them, not kill them," he said.
He also highlighted issues caused by cattle from neighbouring states grazing in Karnataka forests, depriving wild animals of food.
He confirmed that steps are being taken to curb cross-border grazing.
To reduce human-wildlife conflict, especially with elephants, Khandre said the govt has accelerated the installation of protective measures. Since taking office, 115 km of railway barricades have been constructed, with another 193 km approved. "Within two years, the remaining areas will be covered at an estimated cost of Rs 500 crore," he stated.
Khandre called for proper maintenance of solar fences, tentacle fencing, and elephant trenches, and reiterated that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility. He also assured that the rights of tribal and forest-dwelling communities would be respected, adding, "A joint survey has been ordered to protect those residing or cultivating land within forests, particularly those with land rights before 2015.
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Arjuna award for caring elephants
Forest minister Khandre on Monday presented the first Arjuna Award, established in memory of the famed Dasara elephant, to mahout Gunda and Kavadi Nanjundaswamy of elephant Bhima. Each received Rs 10,000 and a certificate.
The award has been instituted to recognise outstanding mahouts, kavadis, and forest staff for excellence in elephant capture and wildlife management. A committee will select awardees annually, with presentations held during Gajapayana.
Minister for sericulture and animal husbandry K Venkatesh, MLAs Harish Gowda, Tanveer Sait, and Ravishankar, Forest Development Board president Marigowda, and principal chief conservator of forests Meenakshi Negi were present.
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