Demand grows for opening of elephant interpretation centre at Mettupalayam

The unending delay in the opening of ‘Vezham’ elephant interpretation centre on Kotagiri Road at Mettupalayam in Coimbatore district has irked members of the public and nature enthusiasts.

The works of the centre, along with a park, commenced in April 2021 on the premises of the timber depot of Forest Department at Odanthurai on Kotagiri Road. Works of Installation and other exhibits were completed within a few months. An existing building was modified for the centre, which was conceived to cover various aspects of elephant conservation, including sensitisation of the public.

Mettupalayam-based social activist S. Basha urged the Department to expedite the pending works of the centre. The demand for opening the centre gains significance as negative interactions between humans and elephants are on the rise, he said.

In reply to a petition filed by Mr. Basha, the Department stated in September this year that funds have been sought from the government to complete the pending works.

A nature enthusiast associated with a non-governmental organisation wanted the Department to protect existing structures, installations and other facilities constructed from 2021, and to complete the pending works at the earliest.

Meanwhile, Forest Department sources pointed out that the centre was not announced as a project with full funding as in the case of the rehabilitation centre for captive elephants at Chadivayal or the rescue, treatment and rehabilitation centre for wildlife in Sirumugai forest range. The centre was being developed with funds from different projects and schemes, based on availability.

District Forest Officer N. Jayaraj said new facilities, including audio-visual systems and toilets, have been added to the centre. He denied reports that the existing facilities and installations were not being maintained properly.