Mysore: Pachyderms who are usually accustomed to full freedom rides in natural surroundings now have to tread on concrete and asphalted roads during Dasara rehearsals everyday from the palace to Bannimanatap grounds.

Pachyderms arrive in the city 45 days before the festival begins and are trained to tread on the 5 km procession route. In the past, golden howdah carrier Balarama has suffered injuries when a nail pierced through its foot during the procession. Balarama continued the journey in agony and was treated for over a month after the Jamboo Savari . The large nail was extracted by vets, as recalled the mahout. Despite two forest guards walking leading the path and tracking dangerous objects, there are instances of pachyderms getting injured, as addressed by the caretakers.

In order to avoid such injuries, the forest department has employed magnetic trolleys this year which eliminate any such risk during the festival. The Vet, Dr.Nagaraj who is taking care of pachyderms is happy with the trolley donation from the NGO Santhosha , which he finds very useful.