Thrissur MLA seeks urgent action to ease shortage of captive elephants in Keralam

Thrissur MLA Rajan J. Pallan has urged the State government to take urgent steps to address the shortage of captive elephants in Keralam and ensure the smooth conduct of major festivals, including Thrissur Pooram, and traditional temple rituals.

Raising the issue in the Assembly, Mr. Pallan said Pooram celebrations were symbols of Keralam’s cultural heritage, religious harmony and popular festivities. The prominent festivals, known worldwide for their ceremonial elephant processions, were not merely temple events but also contributed significantly to tourism, trade and the local economy, he said.

“The sharp decline in the number of captive elephants in the State is a matter of serious concern. The shortage is beginning to affect the conduct of major Pooram festivals, including Thrissur Pooram, as well as traditional temple rituals,” Mr. Pallan said.

Scale of crisis

Pointing to the scale of the crisis, Mr. Pallan said that Keralam, which once had more than 1,000 captive elephants, now had only around 300 available. He said restrictions arising from Central laws, rules and their interpretation by officials had created hurdles in bringing elephants from other States and securing the necessary statutory clearances.

The government should urgently intervene, within the framework of the law, and engage with the Centre to find a practical solution, he said.

Mr. Pallan called for a clear and time-bound procedure for bringing elephants from other States, with all applicable safeguards in place. These should include transport arrangements, veterinary examinations, health certificates and quarantine requirements, wherever applicable.

“Ensuring the welfare and safety of elephants must remain non-negotiable. At the same time, we must find a lawful way to preserve Keralam’s traditional festivals and cultural practices,” he said.

He also drew the Assembly’s attention to reports that neighbouring Tamil Nadu had recently brought five captive elephants from Andhra Pradesh, citing it as an example relevant to the issue.

The State government should hold urgent discussions with the Centre, examine the existing regulatory hurdles and simplify the clearance process within the limits permitted by law, the MLA said.

Mr. Pallan called for a lasting solution that would protect the grandeur of Thrissur Pooram and Keralam’s cultural heritage while ensuring the welfare and safety of the elephants involved.