Committee wants ban on Thalayeduppu contest

Kochi: A committee formed to suggest measures for the welfare of elephants stated that the ‘Thalayeduppu’ contest was a 'cruel custom'.

The monitoring committee also suggested that no fresh permission was to be  granted for making elephants participate in festivals like ‘pooram’.

“Considering the rise in the incidents of elephants running amok, no permission should be granted for more elephants other than the sanctioned number, to be paraded in poorams. Micro chips and fitness certificates are a must for jumbos which participate in festivals and other functions. Besides, all festival committees are to insure the elephants. The call was for a minimum of Rs 25 lakh for 72 hours”, the committee pointed out.

It also recommended strict action against mahouts getting drunk. “Breath analysers should be used to test whether they are drunk while on duty. If found guilty strict action should be taken,” the report said.

The administration should ensure that the elephants are not paraded between 11 am and 3.30 pm. Special permission should be sought from the collector for making elephants participate in rituals and religious ceremonies during the period.

All events involving elephants were to be video-recorded so that any violation of the laid-down norms could be easily detected.