Arrangements under way for jumbo retreat

Arrangements are underway on a war footing at the campsite spread over in an area of six acres at Thekkampatti. Shrubs and plants were cleared and separate facilities including kitchen, mobile toilets and staying sheds for mahouts were put up at the campsite.

According to a HR & CE official, who is monitoring the arrangements said, “A 750 metre circled walking track is in place for jumbos to start their day with an exercise regimen. After a brisk walk, the jumbos can take a cool shower bath in a raised platform. Ramps are ready to help the elephants climb and get down the lorries.”

As many as eight watch towers were put up for the forest department staff to keep round the clock vigil on wild elephants. Also, solar fencing has been erected for 1.5 kilometres to prevent wild elephants from straying into the campsite.

More than 75 per cent of works for the camp is already over and only final works are going on in a war footing ahead of the inauguration on Friday. A pet project of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, the rejuvenation camp started way back in 2003 to provide adequate rest for jumbos with nutritious food and medical treatment.

The rejuvenation camp first kick-started at Mudumalai (Theppakadu) sanctuary and was suspended during the DMK regime from 2006 to 2011. The jumbo camp resumed again in 2011 when AIADMK returned to power and in 2012-2013, the rejuvenation camp was shifted to plains in Mettupalayam.

Meanwhile, villagers from around 23 villages in Thekkampatti hoisted black flags in their houses and farmlands protesting against conducting the jumbo retreat in their neighbourhood. They alleged that the presence of jumbos attracts wild elephants resulting in a spike in man-animal conflicts. The villagers have decided to gherao the elephant camp. Members of many political outfits including DMK, Congress, MDMK and left parties have pledged their support for the protest.