Forest Department to commission short film on the elephant (State of Karnataka, India)

Deputy Conservator of Forests, Mysuru Division, V Yedukondalu, says, “We are looking at screening a five-minute version of the film during Gajapayana (journey of elephants), which kickstarts at Veerahosanahalli of Nagarahole National Parkon August 14, since we are expecting 5,000 people to attend the event.

 

To be screened across Karnataka, the film provides information about the behaviour of pachyderms, khedda operations, how the animal co-existed with human beings since ages and their socio- cultural relationships with human beings. The short will portray every stakeholder’s view on elephants, including that of conservationists, mahouts, villagers and tribals who are living on the fringes of the forest area.”

Elephants vital in ecological balance

“The film highlights how elephants traverse from one forest to another depending on how the season spans out and their role in protecting forest vegetation. It will also try to provide a solution to the growing man-animal conflict and what human beings have to do to prevent this conflict. Man is responsible for the conflict as they have encroached into forest areas, forcing the animals to stray into human settlements frequently,” he says.

Dasara jumbos make it to the film

“Famous jumbos that carried the golden howdah during the Vijayadashmi procession, like Drona, Balrama and Arjuna and the qualities that sets them apart from the other elephants and their relationship with the erstwhile Mysuru royal family will be showcased in the movie,” adds an official.

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