With hordes of trained animals expected to descend on the forthcoming Kumbh Mela, the state government is worried. It is concerned about the lack of manpower and machinery to control the animals in case they lose control.Chief Conservator of Forests, Nashik, Dr S.K. Khetarpal told The Indian Express today that his department does not have trained mahouts or horse-riders to control the animals.‘‘We don’t even have a tranquilliser gun to bring an animal under control if it goes on a rampage,’’ he admitted, pointing out that a proposal to acquire a tranquilliser gun worth Rs 70,000 had been submitted to the Nashik Collector.The administration had requested mahants of various akhadas not to bring large animals like elephants, horses and camels to the Kumbh Mela for security reasons. It had warned that if an elephant went berserk, it would cause a stampede, posing a threat to the lives of millions of pilgrims.However, the mahants unanimously rejected the idea, pointing out that their ‘‘Shahi Snan’’ and ‘‘Shahi’’ processions were ‘‘shahi (royal)’’ because of the animals and that there would be no Kumbh without them. Mahants of various akhadas are scheduled to ride elephants, camels, horses and chariots during the Kumbh which is slated to begin on July 30.Khetarpal said personnel at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai have been asked to train officers in Nashik to use tranquilliser gun. ‘‘We have nothing to do with animals like elephants domesticated by sadhus, we deal with wildlife,’’ he said, adding that it’s time to decide if animals should be allowed to participate in the Kumbh.
