With the initiative of Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Forest and Environment Minister Pawan Kalyan, residents of Parvathipuram Manyam district are expected to get relief from the growing menace of wild elephants. In view of repeated crop and village destruction caused by elephant herds entering from the Odisha border, the Forest Department is making arrangements to shift two trained kumki elephants, ‘Abhimanyu’ and ‘Jayanth’, from the Musalamadugu camp in Palamaneru to the Guchchimi camp in Manyam district.
The two kumki elephants are highly experienced in controlling human-elephant conflict. They have already successfully completed six major operations, including capturing a rogue elephant near Palamaneru. Officials selected Abhimanyu and Jayanth because of their proven coordination and effectiveness in handling difficult elephant management operations.
To find a permanent solution to the problem in Manyam district, Pawan Kalyan is also considering discussions with the Odisha government for elephant relocation measures and bringing additional kumki elephants if required. Meanwhile, the Forest Department is implementing advanced measures such as solar fencing in vulnerable areas, trench digging to prevent elephant entry, development of water resources, AI-based monitoring, drone surveillance, formation of ‘Hanuman Rapid Response’ teams, and public awareness programs. Locals hope these comprehensive measures will significantly reduce the fear of elephant attacks in the region.
