Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Elephant Herd Movement Prompts Alerts Across Tirupati’s Seshachalam Forest
About 35 elephants are moving through the Seshachalam forest near Tirupati.
The elephants have separated into two groups.
One group of about 13 is moving toward Chandragiri.
The other group of about 22 is traveling toward Tirumala.
Forest officials are watching both groups with drone cameras.
They have warned nearby villages to be careful.
People have been asked not to enter the forest without a good reason.
They should also follow official instructions and avoid traveling alone on forest routes.
About 35 elephants have split into two groups in Seshachalam forests.
Around 13 elephants are moving toward Chandragiri from Bhakarapeta and Diguvuru.
Another group of about 22 elephants is heading toward Tirumala.
Forest officials are using drone cameras to continuously track both groups.
Residents in three villages were told to stay alert and avoid forest travel.
- Who
- A group of about 35 elephants, forest officials, and residents of nearby villages.
- What
- Two elephant groups are moving through the Seshachalam forests, prompting surveillance and village warnings.
- When
- The movement has concerned officials for weeks; a state directive to use drones was issued earlier this month.
- Where
- The elephants are in the Seshachalam forests near Tirupati, moving toward Chandragiri and Tirumala.
- Why
- The elephants are moving near forest areas and human habitations, leading officials to monitor their routes and warn residents.
- Estimated elephants
- About 35 elephants are divided between groups of approximately 13 and 22.
- Chandragiri group
- Around 13 elephants are moving from the Bhakarapeta and Diguvuru side toward Chandragiri.
- Tirumala group
- About 22 elephants are heading toward Tirumala through a forest route.
- Surveillance
- Forest officials are continuously tracking the elephants with drone cameras.
- Villages alerted
- Bhimavaram, Chinna Ramapuram, and Kondreddy Kandriga were specifically warned.
- Public advice
- Residents were told to avoid unnecessary forest entry, follow official instructions, and avoid traveling alone on forest routes.
- Interdepartmental response
- Forest, revenue, and police departments were asked to coordinate precautionary measures, with forest personnel deployed along likely routes.
