Andhra Pradesh: 2 Kumki Elephants To Be Deployed In Manyam To Tackle Wild Elephant Menace
The decision has been taken on the directions of Deputy Chief Minister and forests minister K. Pawan Kalyan: Reports
VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh forest department will deploy two trained kumki elephants in Parvathipuram Manyam district to help tackle the recurring movement of wild elephants from the Odisha border into the state.
The decision has been taken on the directions of Deputy Chief Minister and forests minister K. Pawan Kalyan.
The kumkis, ‘Jayanth’, trained at the state’s Naniyal elephant camp, and ‘Abhimanyu’, brought from Karnataka, will be shifted from the Musalamadugu camp at Palamaner to the Guchchimi camp. Forest officials said preparations for their relocation have been completed.
The two elephants were selected for their experience in elephant management operations. According to the forest department, they have participated in six major operations, including the recent capture of a solitary wild tusker near Palamaner.
Wild elephant herds frequently stray into Manyam district from Odisha, damaging crops and property and posing a threat to villagers. Forest officials attributed the problem to habitat fragmentation, shrinking forest cover and the scarcity of food and water.
As an immediate measure, the kumkis will be stationed at Guchchimi to assist forest personnel in driving wild elephants away from vulnerable villages.
Pawan Kalyan has also directed officials to coordinate with the Odisha government and implement long-term mitigation measures, including solar fencing, protective trenches, development of water sources, AI-based monitoring, drone surveillance, Hanuman Rapid Response Teams and public awareness programmes in affected villages.
