CM Oommen Chandy rejects Pamela Anderson’s idea to use fake jumbos

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has virtually rejected model and Hollywood star Pamela Anderson's suggestion that elephants should be kept out and life-size bamboo and papier-mache (chewed paper) elephants be used for Thrissur Pooram on April 29.

"There are specific laws that govern the parade of elephants in festivals and processions, most notably the Captive Elephant Management rules. A committee headed by district collectors has been tasked to take decisions regarding the welfare of elephants on the basis of these laws. The Thrissur Collector has assessed the situation and has found nothing wrong in parading live elephants. The government also stands by the decision of the Thrissur district administration," a spokesperson from the Chief Minister's office said.

In a letter to the Chief Minister, Ms Anderson has offered to contribute the cost of providing 30 life-sized, realistic and portable elephants made of bamboo and papier-mâché to replace live elephants. Anderson is also a patron of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India.

Nonetheless, the Chief Minister’s Office said that Ms Anderson’s proposal would be taken up for a larger discussion with concerned stakeholders.

“Though Ms Andersons’s concern is laudable, Thrissur pooram has a long tradition and any radical change in its conduct would require elaborate and deep discussions,” the spokesperson said.