Kumkis to Give Ecotourism Push to The Elephant Camp Near Palamaner

TIRUPATI: Established to monitor and manage wild elephant movement along the Andhra Pradesh-Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border regions, the Musalimadugu kumki elephant camp near Palamaner in Chittoor district is set to be developed into an eco-tourism destination within the next two months, offering visitors controlled access to the camp.

The Musalimadugu kumki camp is located about nine kilometres from Palamaner town on the fringes of Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary. AP’s Forest department had set up the camp to tackle the growing human-elephant conflict in mandals located on fringes of the forest. Wild elephant herds frequently enter villages and agricultural fields in the region, damaging crops and attacking villagers, some of them fatally.

To counter these wild elephants, AP government brought four trained kumki elephants from Mysore in Karnataka in November last year under an agreement between the two neighbouring states. Two local elephants joined the four kumkis at the camp, bringing the total elephants at the camp to six.

Forest officials said kumki elephants are specially trained by mahouts to prevent wild elephant herds from entering into human habitations and guide them back into the forests. Kumki elephants are conditioned to move in groups and respond to the commands of experienced mahouts from Karnataka. Together with forest personnel, kumkis and mahouts control the movement of wild elephants and goad them into returning to the forests.

The Musalimadugu camp initially attracted large crowds eager to watch the elephants and training activities. However, the forest department later stopped public entry due to inadequate visitor facilities and crowd management issues. With the eco-tourism initiative now being launched, the department has decided to reopen the camp to people in a regulated manner.

Chittoor district forest officer G. Subburaju said the department is working on a proposal to allow public access to the kumki elephant camp with the aim of promoting environmental awareness and conservation, and educating visitors about elephant training activities.

"The proposal will be implemented within a month. As per the plan, visitors may be allowed to spend one hour each during the morning and evening sessions at the camp. The department has proposed an entry fee of ₹50 for adults and ₹30 for children," he stated.

Works are currently underway at the site to build internal roads, children’s play areas, drinking water facilities, a canteen and toilet facilities. Proposals have been made to establish a Nagaravanam opposite the camp at an estimated cost of ₹2 crore.

Officials said the elephants are housed in specially prepared enclosures with veterinary monitoring, feeding facilities and bathing areas. Dedicated mahouts and caretakers supervise them round the clock.

Forest department will provide public access to the Musalimadugu kumki elephant camp; charging adults ₹50 and children ₹30

The camp will promote environmental awareness and conservation activities, and educate visitors about elephant training activities