Mumbai, Aug 6 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis engaged in discussions with the Vantara team concerning the return of Mahadevi, a 36-year-old elephant suffering from health issues, from the Vantara wildlife rehabilitation center in Gujarat back to the Nandani Monastery located in Kolhapur District.

The meeting occurred just one day after Fadnavis convened a session with political representatives and government officials, announcing that the state intends to file a review petition to facilitate the elephant's return to Kolhapur.

In a post on X, CM Fadnavis stated, “Today, I had an in-depth conversation with the Vantara team in Mumbai. The good news is they have expressed their willingness to support the Maharashtra Government’s petition before the Hon’ble Supreme Court for the seamless transition of the elephant.

“According to Vantara, they are strictly following directives from the Honourable Supreme Court and have no desire to retain custody of Mahadevi. The team also expressed their readiness to establish a rehabilitation center for Mahadevi in Kolhapur, in a location designated by the Maharashtra Forest Department. They further affirmed their utmost respect for the community's religious sentiments.”

CM Fadnavis highlighted that the Forest Department will present a comprehensive independent stance before the Supreme Court, addressing all recommendations made by a high-level committee as per the Central Zoo Authority's guidelines.

The urgency of this matter was heightened following the Bombay High Court's ruling on July 16, which allowed the transfer of the elderly elephant to Vantara’s facility in Gujarat due to concerns over her solitary confinement and deteriorating health.

This decision came after a petition from the animal rights group People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which had previously alerted the Maharashtra forest department and the Supreme Court's High-Powered Committee about Mahadevi's health and psychological state.

PETA brought attention to Mahadevi's painful arthritis and foot rot, exacerbated by her isolation, which is detrimental as elephants are inherently social creatures.

On July 22, the Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision. Following initial reluctance, the temple authorities consented to Mahadevi's transfer to Vantara for her rehabilitation on July 28.

This action spurred a silent rally in Kolhapur advocating for the elephant's return.

CM Fadnavis reaffirmed the state government's commitment to addressing public sentiment regarding Mahadevi's return.

“Mahadevi has resided at Nandani Monastery for the past 34 years. There is a strong public sentiment favoring her return. Hence, the state will file a review petition in the Supreme Court, and the monastery should include the state as a party in its petition,” stated Fadnavis.

“Moreover, the Forest Department will present a thorough independent position in the Supreme Court, addressing all recommendations from the high-level committee in line with Central Zoo Authority standards.”

“To ensure Mahadevi receives the best care, the state government will assemble a team for comprehensive assistance. If necessary, arrangements akin to a rescue center will be made, with facilities provided accordingly. We will request the Supreme Court to appoint an independent committee to evaluate these facilities,” concluded the Chief Minister.