Did Pawan Kalyan Just Launch the Kumki Elephant Training Centre?
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Synopsis
On November 9, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan inaugurated the Kumki elephant training centre in Chittoor, aimed at controlling wild elephant movements into human territories. This initiative is a part of a broader strategy to mitigate human-elephant conflict and promote wildlife conservation.
Key Takeaways
- Kumki elephants are trained to manage wild elephant movements.
- The training centre is located in Chittoor district.
- Project HANUMAN focuses on wildlife care and rehabilitation.
- Since 2021, there have been 23 human fatalities due to elephant attacks.
- A radio collar system will help monitor elephant movements.
Chittoor (Andhra Pradesh), Nov 9 (NationPress) - On Sunday, Pawan Kalyan, the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and Minister for Forest and Environment, officially launched the Kumki elephant training centre in the Chittoor district.
This expansive 20-acre facility is located in Musalimadugu village, adjacent to the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary in Palamaner mandal. Its primary purpose is to train Kumki elephants to monitor and control the movements of wild elephants venturing into human settlements.
In May, the state successfully relocated four Kumki elephants from Karnataka to mitigate the issue of wild elephants entering villages.
These wild elephants often migrate from neighboring Tamil Nadu and Karnataka through the Mudumalai and Bannerghatta sanctuaries, located on the edges of the Western Ghats. Their incursions into agriculture can cause significant damage to crops and pose risks to human safety.
An official statement revealed that forest officials updated the Deputy Chief Minister on the vital role Kumki elephants play in addressing the escalating human–elephant conflicts in western Chittoor and the nearby Annamayya and Tirupati districts.
Officials explained how trained Kumkis are employed to guide wild elephants back to their natural habitats and into the Koundinya sanctuary.
Pawan Kalyan learned that since 2021, elephant-related incidents have resulted in 23 human fatalities across the Kuppam, Palamaner, and Chittoor ranges. Additionally, wild elephants have caused destruction to crops across more than 4,000 acres.
During his visit, the Deputy Chief Minister toured the centre, showed a keen interest in the training processes, interacted with mahouts, and generously donated Rs 50,000 from his personal funds to support them.
He also observed the Kumkis perform various maneuvers, capturing the moments on his camera and even feeding the elephants.
Pawan Kalyan unveiled a poster for Project HANUMAN (Healing and Nurturing Units for Monitoring, Aid and Nursing of Wildlife), aimed at enhancing wildlife care, rehabilitation, and conflict management through modern veterinary support and systematic monitoring.
Officials briefed him on the 11 core components of the project, which include creating rapid response teams, wildlife rescue units, animal healthcare facilities, and awareness initiatives in forest communities.
The Deputy Chief Minister instructed officials to draft a comprehensive plan with specific goals and timelines for effective execution.
He emphasized that both the Kumki camp and Project HANUMAN are critical for wildlife protection and ensuring the safety of local populations.
Furthermore, he called for the development of a new application utilizing advanced technology to provide real-time information about animal movements to the public, with a target release date of March 3, 2026.
Kalyan encouraged collaboration among the Forest Department, Panchayat Raj, and Agriculture and Horticulture Departments to advance the HANUMAN Project. He requested a progress review by the third week of November.
He also highlighted the necessity of identifying alternative crops less appealing to elephants and persuading farmers to adopt these alternatives. Many mango orchards in Chittoor attract elephants, and he stressed the need for coordination with relevant departments to assess the impact of crop changes on farmers' incomes. He suggested exploring alternative income sources such as beekeeping and eco-tourism.
Officials confirmed they have received authorization from the central government to implement a specialized radio collar system for elephants, which will assist in tracking their movements and alerting nearby residents.
Point of View
It's crucial to acknowledge the balance between wildlife conservation and community safety. The launch of the Kumki elephant training centre and Project HANUMAN reflects a proactive approach to reducing human-elephant conflict, which has become increasingly pressing in recent years. This initiative demonstrates an understanding of the complexities involved in wildlife management while emphasizing the importance of protecting both biodiversity and human lives.
NationPress
10/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Kumki elephant training centre?
The Kumki elephant training centre aims to train elephants to monitor and control wild elephants that enter human habitats, thereby reducing human-elephant conflicts.
Where is the Kumki elephant training centre located?
The centre is located in Musalimadugu village, near the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary in Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh.
What are the key components of Project HANUMAN?
Project HANUMAN includes rapid response teams, wildlife rescue units, animal healthcare facilities, and awareness programs in forest communities.
How many human fatalities have been caused by elephant attacks since 2021?
Since 2021, elephant attacks have resulted in 23 human deaths in the Kuppam, Palamaner, and Chittoor ranges.
What technological advancements are being implemented for elephant tracking?
A specialized radio collar system for elephants is being implemented to track their movements and alert nearby residents.
