Jaipur mahouts unable to feed their elephants amid lockdown

With the commencement of nationwide lockdown, mahouts in Jaipur are struggling to arrange food for their elephants. Every owner has to bear a cost of Rs 4,000 per day while they are currently being provided with a meagre amount of Rs 600.

Jaipur (Rajasthan): The Centre's announcement of a relief package for those affected by coronavirus pandemic has failed to adequately help the mahouts of Jaipur.

Pink city Jaipur is known for its eye-soothing beauty, culture and elephant rides. These tusked mammals are trained by mahouts, thus earning them their livelihoods through joyrides.

No tourist visiting the Amer Fort goes back without enjoying an elephant ride around the area.

But the nationwide lockdown has turned the city into a desert with no tourist paying any visits. As a result of this, the mahouts are going through a tough phase in terms of feeding themselves and the elephants.

According to a mahout, an elephant needs grains, sugarcane, banana, barley and other items, which costs around Rs 4,000 per day.

"We are not in the condition to feed these giant mammals. Currently, we are receiving only Rs 600 per day to feed the elephants. This amount is the almost sixth part of what they need", said Ashif, a mahout.

He further maintained that they used to earn more than Rs 5000-6000 per day on normal days. Also, they used to earn a bonus during the wedding season as a community in Rajasthan needs the giant mammal for the groom.

Talking to ETV Bharat, another mahout said, "I have been working in this firm for the last 5 years. I got a salary by the owner but I also used to earn an incentive by the tourists as a compliment or as a tip for the ride. Now, I have to depend only on the income that the owner offers to me."

Narrating his vexation, the owner urged the Rajasthan government to release some funds for the mahouts so that the mammals could be fed properly.