Inter-State Transportation of Captive Elephants

The central government recently issued a Gazette notification that allows the inter-state transportation of captive elephants, a move that came ahead of the Lok Sabha elections and was welcomed by festival organizers in Kerala, notably for the Thrissur Pooram festival which requires close to 100 elephants. The Supreme Court has also expanded the scope of a High-Powered Committee, giving it jurisdiction across India to enhance the welfare, care, and rehabilitation of elephants and other wild animals. This committee is empowered to conduct necessary checks and recommend actions for the welfare of these animals across the country. The regulations require a fitness examination of the elephants before transportation, submission of an application by the owner to the Chief Wildlife Warden, and quarantine of the elephants post-transportation. While these moves have been welcomed for addressing the shortage of elephants for cultural festivals and their welfare, there have been criticisms and concerns over potential misuse for trade under the guise of transfer.