1 week ago

Andhra Pradesh Kumki Elephant Operations Face Opposition From Odisha Villagers

Andhra Pradesh Kumki Elephant Operations Face Opposition From Odisha Villagers
Andhra Pradesh’s Kumki Operations Facing Opposition From Neighbouring Odisha · deccanchronicle.com

Officials in Andhra Pradesh are using trained Kumki elephants to guide wild elephants back into forests.

They want to stop the animals from damaging farms and plantations.

However, villagers on the Odisha side are reportedly sending the elephants back into Andhra Pradesh.

This makes it difficult to keep the herds inside forest areas.

Farmers worry that people could again be hurt, as happened in 2017 when 13 people died.

They say Andhra Pradesh needs Odisha's cooperation.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Kolli Sambamurthy called for stronger action.

He said the central government could help if necessary, and suggested moving the elephants to Vizag Zoo as another option.

Key facts

Operation
Kumki elephants are being used to push wild elephants back toward forests.
Location
The reported conflict is along the Andhra Pradesh-Odisha border in Parvathipuram Manyam district.
Reported obstacle
Villagers across the Odisha border are reportedly driving the elephants back into Andhra Pradesh.
2017 deaths
Thirteen people died when elephant herds from Odisha raided farmlands in Andhra Pradesh.
Political involvement
Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan helped lead efforts to commission Kumki elephants.
Proposed coordination
There have been calls for discussions between the Andhra Pradesh and Odisha forest ministers.
Alternative proposal
Kolli Sambamurthy suggested capturing the elephants and moving them to Vizag Zoo if needed.

Sources

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