Conservationist Urges Halt to Elephant Transfers from Assam to Tamil Nadu

An eastern Assam conservationist is sounding the alarm over the transfer of captive elephants from the state to temples in Tamil Nadu, urging a Supreme Court-appointed committee to intervene immediately.

Questioning the transfers

Rohit Choudhury's letter to the High-Powered Committee chairperson raises serious concerns about the legality and purpose behind moving these young elephants thousands of kilometers from their home state. He specifically questions whether the transfers constitute actual sales disguised as relocations.

"Whatever may be the grounds stated in the documentation, these transfers are actually sales. It is saddening that the Assam government is not taking any measures at its level to regulate this trade," Choudhury told The Hindu.

The elephants and their destinations

The four elephants currently in transit include eight-year-old Hiralal and six-year-old Shiva, both males headed for the Arulmigu Arunachaleshwarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai. Thirteen-year-old Rupsing is destined for Sri Vaidyanatha Swamy Temple in Nagapattinam, while five-year-old Bijuli is being transferred to Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Gajashala in Kancheepuram.

Regulatory concerns

Choudhury emphasizes that the High-Powered Committee must approve all elephant transfers under powers granted by the Tripura High Court and expanded by the Supreme Court. He states flatly that without committee consideration, these transfers cannot legally proceed.

The conservationist also reminds the committee of a recent Gauhati High Court directive regarding nine Assam elephants allegedly kept in Tamil Nadu after their permits expired. He urges thorough investigation into the ownership and destination suitability for all five elephants.