Amaravati, July 29: Andhra Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Environment and Forests, Pawan Kalyan, inaugurated the ‘Kumki’ elephant camp in the Parvathipuram-Manyam district on Wednesday. He described this initiative as a new chapter in reducing conflicts between humans and elephants in northern Andhra Pradesh.
The camp aims to effectively manage the movement of wild elephants, safeguard human lives, protect farmers’ crops, and resolve the long-standing issue of human-elephant conflicts.
Kalyan emphasized that the government is responsible for both public safety and wildlife conservation. During the virtual inauguration of the camp located in Guchimi of the Sitapuram Mandal, he stated that sustainable development is only possible when there is a balance between progress and environmental protection.
He remarked, “Nature does not belong to us; we are part of nature, so we must coexist with it.”
The event was attended by the district’s in-charge minister and Agriculture Minister K. Achan Naidu, along with Tribal Welfare Minister Gummadi Sandhya Rani.
Kalyan pointed out that issues such as elephants entering villages, destroying farmers’ crops, and people living in fear at night have persisted in the Parvathipuram-Manyam district for a long time.
He stated, “Recognizing this as the government’s responsibility, we have established the Guchimi Elephant Holding Area. This center marks the beginning of a new chapter in reducing human-elephant conflicts in northern Andhra.”
The Deputy Chief Minister noted that during challenging operations in the Palamaner area of Chittoor district, Kumki elephants Jayant and Abhimanyu worked effectively with forest department officials and staff. By utilizing modern technology, they successfully reduced human-elephant conflict-related deaths by over 70% and significantly minimized crop damage.
He affirmed the government’s commitment to achieving similar success in the Parvathipuram-Manyam district. “I dedicate this elephant camp to the people of Andhra Pradesh. I hope it serves as a platform for humans and elephants to coexist harmoniously,” he added.
Kalyan expressed gratitude to the Karnataka government and its people for sending four Kumki elephants to Andhra Pradesh, calling it a testament to their generosity and spirit of friendship.
He concluded, “The people there consider gifting elephants as sharing wealth. We sincerely thank the Karnataka government and its people for sending these elephants out of concern and love for the safety of Telugu people.”
Leave a Comment