Request: PETA appeals to use mechanical elephants for Bonalu and Muharram

Proposal to use life-size mechanical elephants in place of elephants

Hyderabad: Amid incidents of captive elephants turning violent while participating in public processions, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India on Wednesday urged organisers of Muharram and Bonalu to use mechanical elephants for the festivities. PETA India has offered to use life-size mechanical elephants in place of real elephants, which will protect the animals and also prevent humans from possible harm caused by agitated elephants. Currently, at least 17 mechanical elephants are being used in temples across the country,of which 10 have been donated by PETA India.

Mechanical elephants weigh 800 kilograms

The mechanical elephants, which are 3 metres tall and weigh about 800 kilograms, are made of rubber, fibre, metal, mesh, foam and steel and run on five motors. They look, feel and operate like real elephants and have a similar body language. They can be ridden and have pillion seats. They can be powered and driven on roads. Mounted on a wheelbase, they can be moved and pushed around for rituals and processions, PETA said in a press release.

A few days ago, PETA had written to officials and trust members involved in Bonalu celebrations and Muharram events in the city. Forest officials were also urged not to allow the use of elephants in transportation and processions to save them from unnecessary pain and suffering.

Elephant Laxmi will lead the Bibi Ka Alam procession

An elephant has finally been arranged to lead the Bibi Ka Alam procession to be taken out on Sunday, the 10th day of the month of Muharram. The organisers had identified elephant Lakshmi of Sri Sri Sri Jagad Guru Chenna Basava Rajendra Maha Samigal at Sri Karibasava Swamy Math in Horapete in Tumkur, Karnataka. Sources said that after visiting several states, the elephant was finally arranged for the Bibi Ka Alam procession. Earlier, an elephant from Delhi was selected to lead the procession, but the no objection certificate was not issued due to wildlife regulations.

Finally he was successful in bringing Laxmi

The organisers then stepped up their efforts to arrange for another elephant and finally managed to bring Laxmi. The elephant is expected to reach the city late at night and its trial run will be done on Thursday or Friday. Bibi ka Alam is taken out on an elephant every year since the Nizam era. The procession starts from Alawe Bibi and passes through Sheikh Faiz Kaman, Yakutpura Road, Etebar Chowk, Alija Kotla, Charminar, Gulzar Hauz, Panjshah, Mandi Miralam, Darulshifa and ends at Chadarghat. The Endowments Department had also identified and arranged the same elephants for the four Bonalu processions to be held in the city from July 14 to the end of the month.

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