JAIPUR, Mar 8 : The majestic elephants may be an integral part of any festival or special occasion in Rajasthan but they really don’t belong to the state. Most of the Animals have been brought from the jungles of Assam, according to a report by People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
Going back in time, the elephants were initially kept by the royal families as a mark of prestige. However, with time and termination of privy purses and privileges of the rulers of the states it was no longer viable for these families to house elephants in appropriate conditions.
“These families gave away the elephants, which then had to earn their keep by carrying tourists. And ever since, the elephants have stayed here, and more have been brought in from other states given their lucrative role in the tourism sector,” says Rashid, president of Elephant Owners Development Society, Amber.
As per the information supplied under the RTI Act there are 117 elephants, including two baby elephants in Jaipur out of which ownership certificates of 41 elephants have been issued by the chief wildlife warden, Jaipur and for the rest 62, ownership certificates have been issued by the respective authorities of the states other than Rajasthan. According to PETA, 62 persons prima facie have, in violation of provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, acquired the respective elephants which are admittedly in their possession and thereby, have committed an offence punishable under Section 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. But the Elephant Owners Development Society claims otherwise.
“In 2005 we had a three-day camp along with physical verification of the elephants. Then 95 elephants brought from various states were given certificates of ownership and micro chips inserted. Only 10-12 were declared illegal and arrests were also made. These elephants have been here for long, yet the wildlife department is not giving the certificates of ownership. These elephants are now out of rotation and not being used even to ferry tourists in Amber,” said Rashid.
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