Mysuru: Growing crowds gathering along the Dasara procession route to watch rehearsal runs by the Dasara elephants have become a major challenge for the police and forest department, prompting authorities to appeal to the public to keep a safe distance and strictly follow safety instructions.What once required four or five police personnel along the procession route now needs 50 to 60 personnel, plus an almost equal number of forest department staff. The crowd swells during weekends, with hundreds of elephant enthusiasts lining the roads to catch a glimpse of the Dasara elephants.
Dasara tusker Srirama relished a royal bath on Friday, which was a new moon day, and the rehearsals were suspended
The large gatherings have also raised security concerns, as huge crowds along narrow stretches of the route could pose a stampede risk in the event of an untoward incident. Officials said people should remember that elephants, particularly those undergoing training, are animals whose behaviour cannot always be predicted.Speaking to TOI, deputy commissioner of police KS Sundar Raj said the unprecedented response had made crowd management during rehearsals increasingly difficult. “Earlier, we managed with four or five police personnel, but now, due to the overwhelming number of people following the Dasara elephants, we require more than 60 personnel for crowd management. The numbers are particularly high during weekends.”“We cannot predict the behaviour of wild animals, so people must follow the instructions of the police and forest department,” he said and urged people not to feed the elephants or approach them closely.Unusual elephant dung ritual raises safety concernsAn unusual practice of people stepping on fresh elephant dung has drawn officials’ attention. Some visitors reportedly remove their footwear and deliberately step on the dung, believing it could protect them from ailments such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Officials warned people against such practices, citing safety and hygiene concerns.
Visitors stepping on fresh elephant dung near Mysuru Palace
Retired veterinary officer Nagaraj, who took care of Dasara jumbos for two decades, said he had never witnessed such crowds during rehearsals.“I have not seen such a crowd during the rehearsal of Dasara elephants. It has almost become a mini Dasara. People should cooperate with the police and allow the elephants to carry out their practice comfortably.”“Some people have also started stepping on elephant dung, which is not advisable. We appeal to elephant followers to avoid such practices and maintain their own safety,” he said.
