Should elephants be part of festivals?: Matter needs scientific review, says Madhu Bangarappa

Minister for School Education Madhu Bangarappa speaking to the media in Shivamogga on Saturday.

School Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa, who is also the Minister-in-charge of Shivamogga district, has said that the State government will decide whether elephants should be used in events such as Dasara celebrations, scientifically.

The Minister spoke to reporters in Shivamogga after a meeting with officers regarding the incidents during the Dasara procession. During the procession on Wednesday, October 21, Somanna, the elephant carrying the howdah, turned back and ran helter-skelter along the route, causing chaos and leaving onlookers shaken.

Responding to questions on whether elephants should be used in festivals, Mr. Bangarappa said he believed in scientific thinking and practised it in his own life. “I will not express my personal opinion on this issue, as I could be branded for it. I will leave the decision to the Forest Department and the State government,” he said.

The Minister said Chief Conservator of Forests K.T. Hanumanthappa had submitted a preliminary report on the incident, and the government would take a decision based on it.

Answering a barrage of questions from reporters, he said the officers and mahouts had unanimously decided to have Somanna carry the howdah. “All three elephants — Somanna, Bahaddur and Sagar — were trained equally and had gone through rehearsals and preparation. However, the elephant got frightened and turned back. It is difficult to predict the behaviour of an animal. Even pet dogs sometimes bite their owners and may feel guilty later. Something similar can happen with elephants too,” he said.

He added that the government would obtain reports on the incident from all sources, in addition to the official report from senior officials. “The government will take action against those found responsible for the incidents,” he stated.

S.N. Channabasappa, Shivamogga MLA, and senior officials of the district administration were present.