Coimbatore: Elephants from temples and mutts all over the state will meet up at Mettupalayam here on Thursday next for a retreat and relaxation at the annual rejuvenation camp.
As many as 43 elephants from temples and mutts and 55 elephants maintained by the forest department will participate in the camp to be held for 48 days at Thekkampatty on the banks of Bhavani river near the famous Vanabathrakaliamman temple.
Chief minister J.Jayalalithaa in a statement on Saturday said a sum of Rs 1.53 crore has been earmarked for the jumbo camp this year. It will be held from December 19 to February 4.
A pet project of the chief minister, the rejuvenation camp was started way back in 2003 following complaints that the elephants were made to stand on rough surface without rest for long hours and not treated properly.
Due to such ill treatment, these elephants became restless and caused panic among the public on several occasions. In order to provide adequate rest with nutritious food and medical treatment, the rejuvenation camp was first kick started in 2003 at Mudumalai (Theppakadu) sanctuary during the last AIADMK regime. A total of 55 elephants took part in the 30-day camp in 2003. The next year, 65 elephants joined the camp for 48 days.
In 2005, 63 elephants were brought in for the 48-day camp at the Mudumalai sanctuary. The ma houts were also given training on how to treat their animals with tender care and affection.
The camp was not conducted during the DMK regime from 2006 to 2011. The humane initiative was resumed in 2011, when Jayalalithaa returned to power. In 2012-13, the rejuvenation camp was shifted to Thekkampatty in Mettupalayam on the banks of Bhavani.
The CM has now issued directions to not force any pachyderm unwilling to move and exclude those suffering from ill health from attending the camp.
