The Malappuram district administration has proscribed the use of DJ music during festivals that parade elephants. The move has come in the wake of the finding that norms had been violated during the B.P. Angadi ‘nercha’ that witnessed an elephant losing control and killing a man a few weeks ago.
The new norms were finalised at a meeting of the officials held in the chamber of the District Collector on Friday (March 14, 2025). Social Forestry division Deputy Forest Conservator was present.
Officials said music and other high-decibel sounds would be harmful to elephants during processions. The meeting also banned mahouts raising the heads of elephants for the spectators to view. “If the elephants raise their heads on their own, let them. The mahouts should not do it on the request of the spectators,” the officials added.
If five or more number of elephants are paraded, then the committees should contact the police, veterinary officers, village officer, social forestry officer, and forest range officer and hold joint meetings at the respective police stations for the smooth conduct of the festival.
Festival organisers should erect barricades to set off the elephants from the crowds, and there should be a minimum gap of five metres between the elephants and the crowds.
Applications for elephant parading at places of worship should be given at least one month in advance, and they will be reviewed by the respective district monitoring committee at its monthly meeting.
Published – March 15, 2025 11:16 pm IST
