Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister, Pawan Kalyan, announced the arrival of two Kumki elephants, Jayant and Abhimanyu, to address human-elephant conflicts in Parvathipuram-Manyam district. These elephants were welcomed at his official residence in Mangalagiri during their journey from Palamaner to Parvathipuram. As the forest and environment minister, Pawan Kalyan emphasized the importance of these elephants in preventing conflicts along the Odisha border.
The forest department is relocating these trained Kumki elephants from Palamaner to the Gutchimi camp in Parvathipuram-Manyam district. Pawan Kalyan, showing his support, directed forest officials to ensure the safety of the elephants during their journey and acclimatization to the local environment upon reaching the camp. This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to enhance public safety, protect farmers’ crops, and conserve wildlife through strategic policies.
Wild elephant herds frequently enter Parvatipuram Manyam district from areas near the Odisha border, causing damage to crops and property. Jayant and Abhimanyu, with their prior experience in Palamaneru and Chittoor regions, have been effective in guiding wild elephant herds back to forest areas. These specially trained elephants play a crucial role in wildlife management operations, including herding and conflict mitigation exercises.
Tribal communities in Parvathipuram and Seethampeta agency areas are concerned about the increasing incursions by wild elephants, which pose a threat to human life and agricultural activities. Since 2017, the region has witnessed 13 casualties due to elephant attacks, along with extensive damage to crops. To address this issue, Andhra Pradesh previously brought in four Kumki elephants from Karnataka and established a training center in Chittoor district.
