THANE: The Maharashtra wildlife department has passed an order prohibiting the entry of elephants into Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane regions.

The directive was issued on Monday by additional principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) Suresh Thorat.

The circular said that elephants were mostly brought into city limits to beg, entertain, “bless” people and even used for shoots though they were a Schedule-1 protected species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act.

“People for Animals (PFA) met principal secretary (forests) Praveen Pardeshi and Thorat and discussed with them how Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane being densely populated urban areas did not offer appropriate living conditions for elephants. We also pointed out the risks residents face from possible elephant attacks,” said activist Ambika Hiranandani.

“We told them about how elephants are kept in miserable condition in the city, the fact that urban environment is simply not suitable for a large animal like an elephant,” Hiranandani added.

Welcoming the new order , founder trustee of PFA Pritish Nandy said, “Given an elephant’s innate wild nature, it is close to impossible to match the needs of these animals in highly commercial and urban environment. Animals are not meant for exploitation in our cities. They are meant for the wild. They are extremely intelligent animals and face unbearable cruelty for a few minutes of entertainment in cities. We thank the forest department for such prompt and positive action.”

