CHENNAI: The Union Ministry of Environment has lifted the ban on the conduct of Jallikattu and bullock cart race in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, Haryana, Kerala and Gujarat. The notification issued in this connection on January 7 said Jallikattu or bullock cart races should be held with the prior approval of the District Authorities concerned.
“Jallikattu or bullock cart races so organised shall be duly monitored by the District Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and State Animal Welfare Board or the District Authorities as the case may be, ensuring that no unnecessary pain or suffering is inflicted or caused, in any manner, whatsoever, during the course of such events, or in preparation thereof”, the notification said.
The notification further said “ bulls may be continue to be exhibited or trained as a performing animal, at events such as Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu and bullock cart races in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, Haryana, Kerala and Gujarat in the manner by the customs of any community or practiced traditionally under the customs or as a part of culture, in any part of the country subject to some conditions.
The conditions are:
(i) such event shall take place in any District where it is being traditionally held annually, at such place explicitly permitted by the District Collector or the District Magistrate.
(ii) bullock cart race shall be organised on a proper track, which shall not exceed two kilometres. In case of Jallikattu,the moment the bull leaves the enclosure, it shall be tamed within a radial distance of 15 metre.
(iii) ensure that the bulls are put to proper testing by the authorities of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department to ensure that they are in good physical condition to participate in the event and performance enhancement drugs are not administered to the bulls in any form; and
The organisers and district administration should ensure that the rights conferred upon the animals under section 3 and clause (a) and clause (m) of sub-section (1) of section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (59 of 1960) and five freedoms declared by the Supreme Court in its order dated May 7, 2014 are fully protected during such events.
Welcoming the development, Tamil Nadu BJP president Tamilisai Soundararajan said “politics not involved in this, says Tamilisai. Animal activists levelled charges against Jallikattu without proper understanding about this traditional sport.”
Welcoming the notification, Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan said “permission for Jallikattu is a result of efforts of all leaders. I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar for lifting ban on this traditional sport. “Let the Tamil Nadu youth prepare for the conduct of Jallikattu for this Pongal”, he said.
“Taking my promise, DMK president M Karunanidhi deferred the agitation for Jallikattu. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa made efforts for resumption of Jallikattu. I thank everyone who worked for this”, he added.