Following recent incidents involving temple elephants, including the tragic death of two individuals in Tiruchendur after an elephant attack and the accidental death of a temple elephant in Kundrakudi, the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department has issued a set of 39 comprehensive guidelines. These measures, developed in collaboration with the Environment and Forest Department, are intended to ensure the safety and well-being of elephants housed in temples and monasteries across the state.The guidelines mandate that elephants should be housed on firm soil or grass surfaces, with shelters designed to provide natural light and ventilation. During hot weather, elephants must be kept in shaded areas with food and water placed nearby, ensuring their comfort and hydration. Public access to elephants will also be regulated, prohibiting intoxicated individuals and those using aromatic substances from approaching them. Additionally, photography sessions with elephants have been discouraged to minimize stress on the animals.
For temple events and festivals, elephants will not be permitted to collect money or provide blessings to devotees. Temples without resident elephants are barred from hiring private elephants for such events. Further, elephants are restricted from areas where firecrackers are used or where electrical equipment is present, to avoid accidents.
To ensure the elephants’ health, their diet will be determined based on age and weight, with recommendations from veterinarians. Mahouts have been advised to limit the use of the ankus (elephant goad) to avoid unnecessary harm to the animals.
These measures aim to enhance the safety of both the elephants and the public, while promoting humane treatment. Tamil Nadu HR&CE Commissioner Sridhar emphasized the importance of adherence to these rules, stating that they are crucial for preventing future mishaps and ensuring proper care for temple elephants.