Pawan Kalyan Flags Off Trained Kumki Elephants to Tackle Human-Elephant Conflict in AP

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Friday welcomed two trained kumki elephants, Jayant and Abhimanyu, before flagging them off to the Guchchimi Elephant Camp in Parvathipuram Manyam district, where they will be deployed to help mitigate the growing human-elephant conflict in the region.

The elephants were shifted from the Musalamadugu Elephant Camp in Palamaner as part of the state's efforts to strengthen wildlife management in vulnerable border areas. At his camp office in Mangalagiri, Pawan Kalyan received the elephants with a ceremonial welcome by showering flowers on them and personally feeding them before officially sending them on their journey to Guchchimi.

During the programme, the Deputy Chief Minister instructed Forest Department officials to ensure the elephants' safety throughout their transportation. He also directed them to make necessary arrangements for the animals to gradually acclimatise to the conditions at the Guchchimi camp under the close supervision of wildlife experts, ensuring a smooth transition before they begin operations.

Pawan Kalyan said the coalition government is committed to addressing the issue through scientific, professional and humane measures, balancing public safety, protection of farmers' livelihoods and wildlife conservation. He stressed that effective management of human-elephant interactions requires both careful planning and compassion for wildlife.

The deployment comes amid recurring incidents of wild elephant herds entering Parvathipuram Manyam district from the Odisha border, causing extensive damage to agricultural fields, private property and creating fear among residents in affected villages. The government expects the trained kumki elephants to play a vital role in safely guiding wild elephants away from human settlements and back into forest habitats.

Highlighting the elephants' proven capabilities, Pawan Kalyan noted that Jayant and Abhimanyu had earlier played a significant role in successfully driving wild elephant herds back into forests in the Palamaner and Chittoor regions without causing harm to the animals or local communities. He expressed confidence that their deployment in Parvathipuram Manyam would strengthen the state's long-term strategy to reduce elephant-related conflicts, safeguard farmers' crops, protect rural communities and promote the conservation of wild elephants through sustainable and science-based management practices.