By IANS
Jaipur : The Rajasthan High Court has asked the state government to explain the steps it is taking to ensure that the elephants used for tourist rides are not ill treated or overworked.
Elephant rides are popular among tourists visiting the Amber Fort, situated on a hilltop here. In response to a public interest litigation (PIL), filed by wildlife activist Naresh Kadyan about the protection for elephants used for the rides, the court asked the government to file an affidavit within four months, elaborating measures it intends to take for ensuring that captive elephants in the state are not ill treated.
“The court in its order issued Tuesday has also asked the government to give steps that it intends to prevent the use of iron ankush (a sharp weapon used to control elephants) by the mahavats,” M.S. Kachchawa, advocate for Kadyan, told IANS.
Kachchawa Wednesday said the court has also directed the government to take immediate action against owners of the 14 elephants that do not have certificates.
The government has also been asked to detail elephant related incidents and accidents that have taken place in the last 10 years in Jaipur.