Guwahati: A group of animal rights activists have raised concerns over the proposed transfer of a female elephant named Ranjitha from Assam to Delhi.
The transfer is being considered by the High Powered Committee chaired by Retd. Justice Deepak Varma, following an application from the Maa Baglamukhi Mandir in Delhi.
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The Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organizations (FIAPO) has written to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) & Chief Wildlife Warden of Assam and Delhi, as well as the Chairperson of the High Powered Committee, expressing its deep concerns about the transfer.
The activists contend that Delhi, with its limited natural resources and rapidly expanding population, is not suitable for housing a captive elephant.
They also expressed concerns about the inadequate facilities at the proposed destination, a temple in South Delhi.
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“Delhi is not equipped to handle the needs of an elephant. The city’s infrastructure, climate, and living conditions are simply not conducive to the well-being of these majestic animals,” said Bharati Ramachandran, CEO of the FIAPO.
They argue that the transfer would violate the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules 2024 and would put Ranjitha’s health and well-being at risk.
According to the rules, inter-state transfers of captive elephants are only permitted under certain conditions, such as when the owner can no longer maintain the elephant or when the elephant will have better living conditions at the new location.
They also highlighted the ongoing legal challenges to the rules in the Delhi and Kerala High Courts.
The Maa Baglamukhi Mandir, the temple in Delhi that has requested the transfer, is located in a residential area and lacks the necessary facilities to provide adequate care for an elephant.
The activists argue that the elephant would be forced to live in cramped conditions, without access to sufficient water, food, or space.
In addition to the concerns about the elephant‘s welfare, the activists have also raised questions about the bona fides of the temple. They argue that Delhi has no history of temple elephants and that the temple’s motives for acquiring the elephant remain unclear.
The FIAPO has filed a writ petition in the Delhi High Court challenging the constitutionality of the proviso to Section 43(2) of the Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972 and the Captive Elephant Rules 2024.
The High Court has directed the organization to file suggestions on which purposes should be impermissible or prohibited when considering applications for the transfer of captive elephants.
The FIAPO also urged the High Powered Committee to withdraw its support for the proposed transfer of another elephant, Rajkumar, from Tripura to Vasoori Mala Bhagwati Temple in Alappuzha, Kerala.