Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department M.S.M. Anandan on Wednesday visited the temple elephants rejuvenation camp at Mettupalayam to review the progress.
According to sources, the Minister accompanied by Mettupalayam MLA O.K. Chinnaraj and officials from the Department, checked with the veterinarians there the health of the animals, how they have responded to the treatment, etc. The Minister also interacted with the mahouts.
Facilities
He asked them if the facilities at the camp were comfortable enough, if they received good food and had enough entertainment facilities.
The Department had provided television, carrom board and sports facilities to the mahouts. Wednesday marked the completion of the 37 day of the 45-day camp. The camp will end on January 12. He then distributed dhoti, shirt and calendar to each of the mahouts there.
These were sponsored by The Chennai Silks. He also gave away bed sheets to the mahouts.
He then asked the mahouts to take good care of the elephants even after they returned to the temples by continuing with the medicines and nutritious meals.
He then told reporters that the animals seemed to love the natural surroundings on the banks of River Bhavani.
Joint Commissioner, HR and CE, M. Pugalendran, Deputy Commissioner, HR and CE, N. Natarajan, and Assistant Commissioner, HR and CE, V. Anand were present.
