Rejuvenation camp for elephants to begin from Jan 7

The stage is all set for the annual 48 day rejuvenation camp for temple elephants at Thekkampatti near Mettupalayam in the district on January 7.
The camp on the banks of river Bhavani will see 43 elephants taking part, including two from Puducherry and Government has allocated Rs 1.04 crore for the purpose, sources in Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department said.
Work on two bathing ghats for giving scrub and medicinal bath for the pachyderms had been completed, as also separate sheds for treatment and cooking, they said.
There will be special diet for the pachyderms, taking into account their age and body status, with individual mahouts attending the day to day activities.

Besides normal leaves like sugarcane, banana and palm, the elephants will be fed ragi, rice, horse grams and green grams, with special medicines prescribed by the veterinarians from time to time, the sources said.
The elephants are expected to arrive at Thekampatti from tomorrow afternoon.
A total of 30 elephants had attended the camp last year.