New Delhi: The central government has given permission for elephant trafficking and exchange. Elephants can be brought to Kerala from neighboring states. Elephants with certificate of ownership can be transferred anywhere.
The application for elephant transfer should be considered by the Deputy Conservator of Forests at the place where the elephant is registered. The elephant being handed over should be examined by a veterinarian and the health condition assessed.
Pooram organizers in Thrissur, Paramekkav and Thiruvambadi Devaswams, had approached the central government seeking permission to lift the ban on bringing elephants for the festival.
With the enactment of the amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the transfer of elephants will be facilitated and the shortage of elephants during festivals will be solved. There are only 430 elephants in Kerala, which used to have around 700 elephants. Only more than 200 elephants are used for elephants.
