Tamil NaduMonday, 14 September 2026·The Hindu - Tamil Nadu
Madurai Meenakshi temple to receive Assam elephant Durga under 2011 captive elephant rules
Five-year-old elephant Durga from Assam was cleared for transfer to Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, with the Madras High Court citing the 2011 captive elephant rules.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In September 2026, the five-year-old elephant Durga from Assam was cleared by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department for transfer to the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, while the Madras High Court noted the Tamil Nadu Captive Elephants (Management and Maintenance) Rules, 2011.
Key specifics
- Durga is a five-year-old elephant from Assam and was expected to reach Madurai on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
- The Tamil Nadu Forest Department issued the No Objection Certificate (NOC) last week.
- The District Captive Elephant Management Committee inspected mud bath, water bath and walking space before the NOC.
- The Madras High Court posted the matter for September 16 and asked the State to decide pending applications within a week.
- The 2011 rules allow temples to receive donated elephants subject to prior permission and safeguards.
Exam lens
TNPSC can ask a match-the-following on captive elephant governance: Durga, Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, NOC, and the Tamil Nadu Captive Elephants (Management and Maintenance) Rules, 2011.