Shortage of elephants disappoints tourists
by Lokendra Singh

     Jaipur: Tourists visiting Jaipur, which has the reputation of being a princely state, are irked over the shortages of elephants in the area, especially at a time when the elephant ride at prominent tourist spots in Rajasthan has been restored by the state government. Tourists gathering in the "Pink City" to enjoy an elephant ride, expressed their deep annoyance over the dilly-dallying attitude of the authorities, who had suspended elephant rides 20 days ago. Recently, there were only 45 elephants available for the thousands of tourists -- domestic and foreign -- who had lined up for the ride. " It's very hot here. We have been standing in line for hours and now, they are saying that elephants are not available for ride. They should have informed us earlier," said a tourist from Vancouver. "It would have been exciting to go on elephant ride, but if it is not safe then it's OK," said another tourist. The tourist officers say that the services will be back to normal after a few days.

    A recent incident in which a tourist was killed by an elephant led the Government of Rajasthan to impose ban on elephant rides. However, the ban was lifted after a complete medical check-up of all elephants was carried out. According to the new norms issued by the Government, only 45 elephants will be allowed at the beginning for the ride. "According to the State Government order, initially, we have permitted 45 elephants and three rounds a day," said Sitaram Kumavat, Tourist Officer. After the medical check-up of 100 elephants, the State Government has allowed only 61 elephants to take part in the elephant ride. The State Government took this decision after it had received complaints that many elephants were neither physically nor mentally fit to take part in rides.
-Oct 15, 2005