Mysuru, Aug. 24 -- * Single bids for years due to low rates

* Ex-contractor alleges tender violations

* Time constraints led to approval: DCF

A controversy has erupted over the Forest Department's decision to award a single-bid tender for supplying food and fodder to the Dasara elephant team during their stay on the Mysore Palace premises from Aug. 28 to Oct. 25. The estimated cost of the supplies for the period is around Rs. 60 lakh.

As part of preparations for the Dasara festival, the Department has floated a tender for supplying fodder and special food items to elephants. The tender schedule includes bulk quantities of fodder as well as traditional dietary supplements.

Bypassed processes

However, the decision to award the contrac...