Elephants to replace vehicles to carry tourists in forest areas

Bangalore, Feb 26 (UNI) Karnataka Forest Department proposes to introduce Elephants to carry tourists on safaris inside National parks and forest areas replacing vehicles, State Principal Chief Conservator of Forests A K Verma said today.

Speaking to newsmen on the sidelines of a one-day workshop organised by Jungle Resorts Limited here, he said that on trail basis it would be introduced in Badra sanctuary and Shimoga forest areas and depending on the response it would be extended to other areas also.

"However, we have to study how much load the elephant can carry, its food and whether tourists would accept it or not as elephant rides take longer time to cover the distance", he added.

Replying to a question he said that there were about 200 tame elephants with the department and if it could be replaced in place of vehicles, it would help in controlling pollution inside the forests. Many tourists also prefer riding on elephants instead of going in a vehicle inside the forest areas, he added.

UNI MSP RS GM1652