The Budipadaga elephant camp, situated within the Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve in Chamarajanagar district, has been left vacant due to the absence of tamed elephants. The forest department invested Rs 2 crore in developing the camp, yet the facility remains underutilized.
Infrastructure and Facilities
The department established comprehensive facilities to care for tamed elephants, including housing for mahouts and kavadis, as well as guesthouses for tourists. This camp, located in the Punajanur range of the BRT Tiger Reserve, was intended to support conservation and rehabilitation of captive elephants.
Purpose of the Camp
The elephant camp was designed to provide medical care and shelter for rescued and injured elephants. Additionally, it aimed to train rescued elephants for forest patrol, assist in combing operations, and mitigate human-animal conflict. The state government allocated Rs 2 crore in its budget two years ago to set up this camp after relocating from K Gudi.
Shift of Dasara Elephant Gajendra
After the camp was constructed last year, forest officials moved the Dasara elephant Gajendra from K Gudi to Budipadaga. Gajendra resided there alone for six months but frequently fell ill due to difficulties adjusting to the environment. Consequently, he was transferred to the Mattigodu elephant camp in Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, Kodagu district.
Current Status
Currently, the Budipadaga camp is almost entirely vacant, with no elephants present. The rest houses and other amenities remain unused. A bungalow and tourist facilities, built to boost eco-tourism, have also been idle for over a year.
Awaiting NTCA Approval
Chief Conservator of Forests (Chamarajanagar circle) Malathi Priya stated that the department is awaiting permission from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to continue operations at Budipadaga and house elephants. A letter has been sent to NTCA, and the decision now rests with the authority.
Criticism from Experts
Former State Wildlife Board member Malleshappa criticized the project, noting that wildlife experts had objected due to a lack of drinking water and other resources. Despite warnings, the forest department proceeded hastily to utilize the allocated funds. Veterinarians also cautioned that the environment was unsuitable for elephant health, yet the camp was established, leading to its current vacancy.
