Sun Nov 09 13:25:35 UTC 2025: Summary:

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan inaugurated the Kumki Elephant Training Camp in Musalimadugu, Chittoor district, aimed at mitigating human-elephant conflict. The 20-acre facility will train elephants to monitor and deter wild herds from straying into human areas from neighboring states. Kalyan also launched Project HANUMAN, a wildlife care and rehabilitation initiative, and reviewed the region’s human-elephant conflict situation. He emphasized community-based conservation and directed officials to create a detailed roadmap for effective project implementation.

News Article:

Andhra Pradesh Opens Kumki Elephant Camp to Tackle Human-Elephant Conflict

CHITTOOR, November 9, 2025 – Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan inaugurated a new Kumki Elephant Training Camp in Musalimadugu, Chittoor district, on Sunday, marking a significant step in addressing the region’s escalating human-elephant conflict. The 20-acre facility will train “Kumki” elephants to monitor and manage wild herds that frequently stray into villages and farmlands from neighboring Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

During his two-day visit to Chittoor, Kalyan, who also holds the Environment and Forest portfolio, was briefed on the Kumkis’ crucial role in driving wild elephants back into the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary and preventing crop damage and potential human casualties. He interacted with mahouts, donated ₹50,000 to them, and witnessed the Kumkis demonstrate their training.

Alongside the camp inauguration, Deputy Chief Minister Kalyan launched Project HANUMAN (Healing and Nurturing Units for Monitoring, Aid and Nursing of Wildlife), an initiative to bolster wildlife care, rehabilitation, and conflict management. The project encompasses rapid response teams, wildlife rescue units, animal healthcare facilities, and community awareness programs.

Elephant attacks in the region have resulted in 23 human deaths and extensive crop damage between 2021 and 2026. Kalyan directed officials to create a detailed roadmap with clear targets for effective implementation of both the Kumki camp and Project HANUMAN. He stressed the importance of community-based conservation and emphasized the strategic role these initiatives will play in protecting both wildlife and local communities. A progress review is scheduled for November 18-19.

District Collector Sumit Kumar hailed the Kumki training camp as a major advancement in scientific wildlife management in the region.

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