Jumbo from Karnataka to take part in Bonalu processions

Shalibanda : Following consultations with the Chief Wildlife Warden of Karnataka, the Forest and Endowments officials have finalised arrangement of an elephant from the neighbouring state for the upcoming festivities of Bonalu. The elephant from the Veera Thapasvi Veerabhadra Shiva Charyaru Samasthanam Muth, near Kalaburagi (Gulbarga), Karnataka, will be arriving shortly.

According to sources, the services of the new elephant will be utilised on July 22 in Secunderabad (Ujjaini Mahankali Temple), on July 28 in Sabzi Mandi (Nallapochamma Temple) and on July 29 in Old City (Akkanna Madanna Temple). But, a special permission has to be taken for the Moharram's Bibi ka Alam procession, with the coordination of the Forest and other departments from the two states.

"The elephant will be arriving in a huge truck on July 21 and will take part in Secunderabad's procession. it will go back to Karnataka to take part in some procession on July 25 and will return the next day for serving the next two days in the City, till the conclusion of the festivities," said the sources.

The decision has been taken in view of the High Court order, which restricted to take services of Rajani (the local elephant from Zoo). The officials from endowments and forest visited Karnataka in this endeavour.

"After careful examination of the circumstances stated by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HOFF), Hyderabad, in the reference cited, the government has observed that the Forest Department has already issued No Objection Certificate (NOC) for entry of the elephant into Telangana State for the procession related to Bonalu festivals in a letter addressed to the Chief Wildlife Warden in Karnataka," a recent Government Order stated.

"The curator at Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad is directed to provide a trained Veterinary officer with tranquilizing equipment and drugs to accompany the elephant during processions and to attend to any emergency or untoward incident. The Commissioner of Endowments Department is requested to coordinate with the Forest Department officials and the organizing committee on the matter.

The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (WL) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Telangana State, are therefore requested to take necessary further action accordingly, in consultation with the Commissioner of Endowments, Hyderabad," says the GO.

Speaking to The Hans India, Sri Akkanna-Madanna Mahankali Mandiram president G Niranjan, while welcoming the decision, said that a counter petition from state government's side in the High Court would help clear the room for utilising the services of Rajani, which is said to be ill, in the future. "We request the state government to find a solution to this problem, as we cannot avail the services of the elephant for every Bonalu or Moharram. We do not have any Mutt like that in Karnataka having an elephant," he pointed out.