Parading of elephants attract large number of people

Thrissur, Sep 3 (UNI) Thousands of elephant lovers, including tourists from other states, and a large number of foreigners witnessed the ''Gajamela'' organised by the recently formed ''Elephant Owners Multipurpose Co-operative Society, here today.

The 'Gajamela,' organised jointly by District Tourism Promotion Council and Thrissur Corporation to commemorate 'Onam', the national festival of Kerala, had lined up 109 jumbos aged from one-year onwards.

The Co-operative Society, which took the initiative to organise 'Gajamela,' had also distributed reflector dress to mahouts, health cards and medicines.

Inaugurating the formal functioning of the Society, Kerala Forest Minister Binoy Viswam said the government would take steps for setting up of a shelter to the aged and ailing elephants in the state and the issue would be taken up with the Centre.

A photo exhibition on elephants was also organised in connection with the ''Gajasangamam.'' Though similar events had been earlier organised in the cultural city, such a parade was conducted for the first time and it was a rare occasion to witness a large number pachyderms,'' an official said.

The society, claimed to be first of its kind in the country, would open a super speciality hospital, cremation ground, mobile hospital, and insure elephants and those who associated with them.

UNI XR/CGV SB HT2055