Pawan Kalyan Directs Officials to Alert Public as Elephant Herds Roam Chandragiri Area

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has directed forest officials to take immediate steps to alert residents following the movement of elephant herds near Yerravaripalem in the Chandragiri area of Tirupati district.

The elephants, reportedly entering the area from the Seshachalam forest region, have been moving in two groups and damaging crops in fields located close to the forest boundary, particularly during the night. Reviewing the situation with forest officials through a teleconference, Pawan Kalyan stressed the need for continuous monitoring of the herds and preventive measures to avoid any loss of life or property.

He instructed officials to use drones to track elephant movements, identify their regular routes and strengthen night patrols in villages bordering the forest. Residents should be kept informed about elephant movements through public-address systems, mobile messages and other local communication networks.

The Deputy Chief Minister also called for close coordination among the Forest, Revenue and Police departments. Officials were asked to create awareness among villagers, particularly advising people in vulnerable areas not to venture into agricultural fields at night.

He further directed authorities to remain prepared to deploy special response teams wherever required and ensure that field-level forest personnel remain vigilant around the clock. The situation should be reviewed regularly, with precautionary measures strengthened according to changing elephant movements.

Pawan Kalyan appealed to residents to exercise caution and strictly follow instructions issued by forest officials. As several farmers have reported crop damage, he also ordered officials to assess the losses and prepare detailed reports.

He assured that once the reports are received, steps will be taken to provide immediate compensation to affected farmers through the Forest Department.