AP, Karnataka Look for a Common Date to Release Kumkis

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka governments are working to finalise a common date for the ceremonial release of kumki elephants to AP, amid growing concern over wild elephant attacks that have claimed nearly five lives in the past year.

Forest department sources cited multiple reasons for the delay in transferring kumkis from Karnataka, despite their urgent need to contain the rampaging wild elephants that continue to destroy crops and threaten lives in villages across Chittoor, Tirupati, Annamayya, and Parvathipuram Manyam districts.

The release is expected to be held in the presence of AP Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre. With both leaders preoccupied with official engagements, a mutually convenient date is being worked out.

Officials also pointed to the prevailing summer heat in AP as a key factor. The kumkis are to be translocated by road, and high temperatures pose risks to their body temperature regulation and adaptability. Their movement will begin once favourable weather conditions are in place.

Meanwhile, forest officials are struggling to manage the elephant menace, with herds in Parvathipuram Manyam, Chittoor, Tirupati, and Annamayya continuing to damage crops and enter villages.

Chittoor divisional forest officer S. Bharani said the Palamaneru elephant camp is fully prepared to receive the kumkis, with all amenities in place, including mahouts and trackers.

On a recent fatal attack, officials said an elderly man, Siddaiah, died in Tirupati district despite alerts being issued. His son, who was with him, escaped.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (wildlife) Shanti Priya Pandey said, “Preparations at Palamaneru elephant camp are complete, and the Guchami shelter in Parvathipuram Manyam is nearing completion. It is only a matter of time before the kumkis arrive.”