Tamil Nadu - Udhagamandalam   

Curtain comes down on elephant rejuvenation camp at Mudumalai

Special Correspondent

Minister attributes the success to efforts of officials; steps taken to send the animals back

HAPPY ENDING: Elephants waiting for the ceremonial feeding at the valedictory function of the rejuvenation camp at Mudumalai on Saturday.

UDHAGAMANDALAM : A ceremonial feeding of elephants on Saturday with specially made items, fruits and sugarcane by Ministers Vaithilingam, P.C. Ramasamy and A. Miller brought the curtain down on the 48-day rejuvenation camp for elephants at the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park.

All the pachyderms were lined up — in two rows, facing each other — and garlanded. Among the large number of visitors were several foreign tourists, who captured the proceedings on their still and video cameras.

Addressing presspersons, Mr. Ramasamy said the camp, conducted for the third consecutive year, had concluded on a happy note. He attributed the success to the efforts of officials of various departments and the district administration. A sum of Rs. 56.50 lakhs was earmarked for this year's camp, as against Rs. 46.37 lakhs last year. The expenditure incurred for the first camp was Rs. 33.80 lakhs. This year, 63 temple and private elephants and 47 elephants of the Forest Department took part in the exercise. During 2004, 65 temple and private elephants and 47 elephants of the department attended the camp. During 2003, 45 temple and private elephants and 48 Forest Department elephants were rejuvenated.

Mr. Ramasamy said the elephants, which received the best possible medical attention from a team of veterinarians, led by K.C. Panicker, were in good health. Among the ailments treated were ulcer, anaemia, cataract and joint pain. The diet provided included rice and green gram, besides multi-vitamins and tonics for the liver. Special vegetables and fruits were given to the elephants, which were underweight.

The mahouts got wholesome food and recreation facilities, besides medical treatment.

Rajamanickam, Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, said all the shortcomings noticed in the earlier camps had been sorted out this year.

Wildlife Warden Rakesh Kumar Dogra said arrangements had been made to send the animals back to their places systematically.

"We enjoyed our stay at Mudumalai. The camp was better than the previous ones, but we hope that the next one will be conducted during a warmer season," said K. Lakshman, mahout of Parvathy, elephant of the Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple, Madurai.

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