Somanna incident triggers scientific review of elephants’ role in Dasara festivities: Madhu Bangarappa

Shivamogga, Oct 24 : The incident involving Dasara elephant Somanna during Mysuru's Jamboo Savari has brought the participation of elephants in public festivities under scrutiny, with Karnataka School Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa stating that the State government will take a scientific view before deciding whether elephants should continue to be part of such celebrations.

"The government will take a scientific view on whether elephants should be part of festivals such as Dasara," Bangarappa told reporters here on Saturday after holding a meeting with officials to review the incidents during the Dasara procession.

Somanna, which was carrying the howdah during the procession on October 21, suddenly turned back and ran helter-skelter along the procession route, triggering panic and leaving spectators shaken.

The incident has renewed concerns over the risks associated with deploying elephants in crowded public events, particularly in view of the safety of spectators, mahouts and other participants.

Bangarappa, who is also the Minister-in-charge of Shivamogga district, said the government would examine all aspects before taking a decision on the participation of elephants in festivals such as Mysuru Dasara.

The issue has brought into focus the challenge of balancing public safety with the preservation of Karnataka's cultural traditions.

Decorated elephants have traditionally been a major attraction of the annual Jamboo Savari, with the lead elephant carrying the golden howdah. The proposed scientific review could play a significant role in determining the future participation of elephants in major public festivities following incidents such as the one involving Somanna.