Activists against "torturous journey" for four elephants
The elephants were due to travel from Assam to Gujarat, for a total of 3,100 kilometers by train. They are expected at the Hindu festival float parade. The animalists fear that they will not survive the high temperatures, which are reaching over 50 degrees.
New Delhi (AsiaNews) - Animal rights activists in India have rebelled against the decision to transport four elephants from Assam to Gujarat, where they are expected to walk in the Rath Yatra, the Hindu procession of floats. They complain that the trip would be a real torture for the elephants, forced to cover a total of 3,100 kilometers, crammed into a train for 3-4 days.
Activists announced that they wanted to petition the Indian Supreme Court. For now, the date of departure has not been disclosed, but the animals are expected to open the celebrations on July 4th.
The Rath Yatra is the festival of floats that takes place in Ahmedabad, at the Jagannath temple. Last year it was also attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who began his political career as Chief Minister in Gujarat.
The elephant is one of the most beloved animals in India and is historically considered as a symbol of luck and good fortune.. It is often represented in small amulet figurines to give as gifts. The animal also lends its face to one of the most revered Hindu gods: Ganesha, god of wisdom, depicted with an elephant's head with a single tusk, pronounced belly and four arms, while riding or being served by a mouse.
Indian laws have strict rules for its transportation: it cannot be forced to walk more than 30 km a day, or transported for more than six consecutive hours. The animal activists believe that the four specimens destined to cheer tourists and faithful in Ahmedabad risk actually being sacrificed, due to the very high temperatures of this period (over 50 degrees) and the cruel travel conditions.
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