Karnataka gifts trained Kumki elephants to Andhra Pradesh to tackle wild herds
In a gesture of inter-state cooperation, Karnataka gifted six trained Kumki elephants to Andhra Pradesh to help tackle rising cases of human-elephant conflict. Four of these elephants were officially handed over on Wednesday at a ceremonial event attended by Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.These specially trained elephants will be deployed in regions such as Chittoor and coastal Andhra to manage wild herds that have been straying into farmlands, damaging crops and endangering villagers.advertisementTrained to control and guide wild elephants, Kumki elephants are a key tool in wildlife management. The four elephants handed over include 15-year-old Krishna (captured in Chikkamagaluru in 2022), 14-year-old Abhimanyu (captured in Honnali, Shivamogga in 2023), 39-year-old Dev ( captured in Kushalnagar in 2019) and 26-year-old Ranjan (born and trained at the Dubare elephant camp).
The remaining two Kumkis, out of the six promised, will be transferred shortly.Speaking at the event, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah highlighted the urgency of collaborative efforts in addressing the growing challenge of human-elephant conflict across state borders. 'We have 3,695 elephants, the highest population in the country. We are committed to supporting other states in mitigating conflict and protecting lives and livelihoods,' he said.
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Siddaramaiah also noted that Andhra's mahouts had undergone a month-long training with Karnataka's forest department to ensure proper handling and care of the elephants.Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan expressed deep gratitude, calling the gift a symbol of goodwill and a step towards stronger ties between the two states. 'We did not request these elephants. It is their (Karnataka's) large-heartedness. Even if they had given two elephants it was more. The Karnataka CM and the minister have blessed us with six elephants," he said, adding that it was Karnataka's gesture of sharing wisdom and experience and promised to personally monitor the elephants' welfare.He also hinted at broader cooperation, noting talks between Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Andhra Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on other shared issues, including water resources.Must Watch
IN THIS STORY#Karnataka#Andhra Pradesh
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