Mysuru, Karnataka – In a proactive move to ensure the safety of both the public and its majestic participants, the annual Dasara elephants will now receive heightened security from specialized commandos. This announcement was made on Monday by Forest, Ecology, and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre, who emphasized the importance of preventing close public interaction with these magnificent animals.
Minister Khandre shared these details with the media after a heartwarming luncheon he hosted for the dedicated mahouts and their families, who are the primary caregivers for the Dasara elephants.
The Minister highlighted a growing concern: a noticeable increase in individuals creating social media reels or taking photos by inappropriately touching elephant trunks or tusks. Such actions, he warned, pose serious risks to both the individuals involved and others nearby. He stressed that even highly trained animals can behave unpredictably, making these close encounters potentially dangerous.
“We’ve issued strict orders prohibiting anyone from approaching the Dasara elephants,” Minister Khandre stated. “Violators have already faced fines, and now, commandos are actively stationed to ensure these rules are followed and elephants are not disturbed.”
He referenced a recent incident on September 18, where a woman managed to bypass security late at night to film a reel with the elephants. Following this, notices were swiftly issued to the officials and staff responsible, as this breach was deemed a serious dereliction of duty.
Minister Khandre took the opportunity to commend the invaluable contributions of the mahouts and kavadis, recognizing their crucial role in caring for the Dasara jumbos. These elephants are not just participants; they are the dazzling centerpiece of the Mysuru Dasara festival and the iconic Jamboo Savari procession.
Beyond the festivities, these skilled elephant handlers and their trained elephants are indispensable in managing human-wildlife conflicts. The Forest Department relies heavily on them to track and capture rogue elephants. In these challenging situations, camp elephants, guided by their mahouts and kavadis who intimately understand their behavior, are vital. The Minister also noted their deployment in operations to comb forests and capture tigers when conflicts arise.
He lauded the unparalleled expertise of Karnataka’s mahouts and kavadis in training elephants. Their skills are so exceptional that neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh and Goa frequently request the assistance of Karnataka’s elephants and their handlers.
Minister Khandre explained that the profound knowledge of taming, capturing, controlling, and caring for elephants is often a hereditary trait, passed down through generations. He added that while this skill is ingrained, the state also ensures professional training from experts to further hone their remarkable abilities. He concluded by assuring that discussions regarding their demands for revised wages would be taken up with the Chief Minister.
A Heartfelt Memorial for Arjuna
In a poignant announcement, Minister Khandre confirmed that a memorial dedicated to the legendary elephant Arjuna will be inaugurated later this month at Yasalur.
Arjuna, a beloved figure, proudly led the Dasara procession eight times, carrying the golden howdah, and was a consistent presence at Mysuru Dasara for many years until his retirement. His untimely death in December 2023 during an operation to capture wild elephants deeply saddened his countless admirers. While a memorial already exists at the Balle camp in Nagarahole, his long-time home, the new memorial at Yasalur marks the exact spot where he bravely fell.