Collector K. Veera Raghava Rao presided over a meeting at the Collectorate on Wednesday to discuss arrangements for the safe conduct of jallikattu at Avaniapuram on February 5 (Sunday). The meeting was attended by jallikattu organisers and officials.
He said jallikattu organisers had to follow Animal Welfare Board of India guidelines. All participating bulls had to be examined by a team of doctors and certified for fitness. If the doctors found any objectionable drugs having been administered to the animals for more aggressive performance, they would be barred from participating in the jallikattu.
The Collector said the names of all bull-tamers should be furnished with the jallikattu organisers at the ‘vaadi vasal’ from February 2 to 4, and they should adhere to the terms laid down by the authorities.
The organisers were told to brief the bull-tamers on the rules and arrangements for the visitors to view the rural sport from a reasonable distance. A double-barricade should be erected. Adequate feed and water should be provided to the bulls at the venue round the clock from February 2.
The Collector would move around the arena during the event and ensure that proper bandobust arrangements were in place.
He said the jallikattu committee comprising revenue, animal husbandry, police and health department officials should independently monitor the proceedings and file their reports. The entire proceedings should be videographed and, if necessary, the Collector would submit a copy to the government.
Corporation Commissioner Sandeep Nanduri, senior officials from revenue, police, health, animal husbandry and public works departments participated.
