Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Eviction of Elephants from Delhi ahead of India's Commonwealth Games

elephant

Dozens of elephants in India's capital need a new home after being evicted from a riverside locale to make way for construction linked to the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

The New Delhi government is racing against time to spruce up the sprawling city of 14 million in time for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, which it views as a showcase event for the country's capital.

Improvements underway include extending a metro-rail service, and building new bus shelters and special traffic lanes. Homeowners are also being encouraged to offer bed-and-breakfast lodgings to overcome a shortage of hotel rooms.

The city also has plans to evict poor slum dwellers, including a group that looks after elephants used at weddings and festivals along the Yamuna river, to build apartments for athletes and officials.

The demolition drive has displaced the elephants and their owners, who have been living there for years after being brought here from nearby states.

An appeal put out by Wildlife SOS for donations to resettle the elephants has met with some success, with one donor pledging 500,000 rupees (12,500 dollars).

Source : A popular news website

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