The Mysuru Forest Circle has acquired a rapid response vehicle for rescue and transportation of elephants and other animals in distress.
There are 13 territorial divisions in the State and it is planned to provide such a vehicle for all the divisions. In view of the high rate of conflicts in the Mysuru region, two such vehicles have been provided for Mysuru which will come in handy to transport not only the elephants but other wild animals that have been rescued from human habitation.
One of the vehicles which was received by the Forest Department on Saturday has been tailor-made to carry the weight of an elephant and has provisions for keeping medical kits. It will be equipped with a tranquilizer gun with darts and medication, for use in case of emergency. Though Bandipur has acquired such a vehicle, it is meant to transport veterinary teams and small animals, while the new vehicle can easily transport an elephant.
“It is heavier than a conventional truck with provision for water spray, which will be useful to keep the body temperature down of an animal which is tranquilized,” said Deputy Conservator of Forest Karikalan.
The top of the cage has been coated with fibre material to avoid shock if the vehicle comes in contact with low-hanging high-tension power cables. There is also a ramp to enable the elephants to climb and descend from the vehicle. “The Forest Department had to depend on private trucks to transport elephants for tiger combing operations. But now the rapid response vehicle can be used for the same, as it is tailor made for such a situation, and will not only help save the cost but will enable the combing team to reach the sites quickly,” Mr. Karikalan added.
