Coimbatore : Elephants from temples across Tamil Nadu have started arriving at Thekkampatti, the banks of Bhavani river in the district for the annual rejuvenation camp beginning on Friday.

So far, 15 elephants have reached the venue for the 48-day camp organised by HR and CE department of Tamil Nadu. A total 29 elephants were expected to participate, official sources said,.

The department has already set up the camp office, big kitchen to provide nutritious food to elephants and also mahouts, rest place for them, walking path, bathing ghat and showers for elephants, they said.

A solar power fence has been put up on border of the camp to prevent entry of wild elephants and eight cameras installed to monitor the surroundings.

Abhayambika from Mayuranatha Swamy temple in Mayiladuthura wasfirst to arrive at the camp early today, followed by Abhirami from Thirukadayur and Booma from Kubakonam. Others are expected
before midnight.

Meanwhile, villagers in and around the venue have opposed the conduct of the camp, as they fear wild elephants would stray and destroy the crops. They also plan to stage a demonstration and lay siege of the camp tomorrow.