Latest news with #Kunki
Hans India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Wild elephant attack claims farmer's life in Chittoor dist
Tirupati: The threat posed by wild elephants in the undivided Chittoor district continues to escalate, claiming another life on Tuesday night. A 55-year-old farmer, Ganapathi Yadav, was trampled to death in Nagavandlapalli village of Irala mandal after attempting to drive away a herd of elephants that had entered his farmland. Yadav, who was reportedly sleeping near his field, tried to protect his crops but was fatally attacked in the process. The incident, which falls under the Puthalapattu Assembly constituency, has once again highlighted the growing human-wildlife conflict in the region. The local community has been left shaken, with villagers voicing heightened concerns over safety, especially during nighttime. Many now hesitate to step out alone into their fields, fearing similar encounters. Tragic incidents like this are not new to the region. Since 2011, approximately 25 lives have been lost in elephant-related attacks across the undivided Chittoor district. Apart from the human toll, farmers have suffered substantial agricultural losses, with an estimated 203 acres of farmland destroyed by elephants between 2015 and 2024 alone. In the wake of the latest tragedy, Puthalapattu MLA K Murali Mohan visited the bereaved family and extended his condolences. He assured them of government compensation, now pegged at Rs.10 lakh for deaths resulting from wild animal attacks—an increase from the earlier Rs.5 lakh, revised in response to the rising frequency of such incidents and public pressure. Though forest officials have implemented various measures to mitigate the conflict, villagers remain doubtful of their effectiveness. The deployment of trained Kunki elephants like Vinayaka and Jayant, including reinforcements from Karnataka, has drawn criticism from locals who allege that these animals are not being adequately used to disperse wild herds. Officials, however, insist that proactive steps are underway, noting the persistent presence of a herd of about 15 elephants that has been damaging crops in the area over the past three months. To manage the situation, a dedicated task force is monitoring elephant movements in vulnerable zones. Additionally, a Smart Virtual Fencing system has been introduced to enable real-time tracking. Despite these efforts, recurring incidents suggest that current interventions may be insufficient, underscoring the urgent need for a more robust, long-term solution to human-elephant conflict in the region.
Hans India
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Pawan Kalyan launches innovative to address public issues, engages through theatres
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has introduced a groundbreaking programme aimed at addressing public issues directly. He engaged with residents during face-to-face meetings from his camp office in Mangalagiri, broadcasting live via silver screens. This initiative, named Mana Ooru - Mata Manti, allowed him to interact with villagers from Ravivalasa in the Tekkali mandal of Srikakulam district, seeking feedback on their concerns. Kalyan has instructed senior officials to ensure that villagers' problems are resolved promptly, earning widespread admiration from the local community for utilising technology as a means to alleviate their hardships. The coalition government, led by Chandrababu, is noted for its rapid response to state-wide issues, including accidents and local grievances. Recently, farmers in the agency areas of Chittoor and Vizianagaram districts reported significant distress caused by elephants. The plight of these farmers was relayed to Deputy CM Kalyan, who promptly contacted the Karnataka government to request the transfer of six Kunki elephants to Andhra Pradesh. In response, the Andhra Pradesh government has successfully signed an agreement with Karnataka, resulting in the handover of four Kunki elephants to Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan in Bengaluru on Wednesday.
Hans India
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Karnataka govt handover Kumki elephants to AP, Pawan thanks CM
The collaboration between the governments of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka has reached new heights, with Karnataka handing over six trained Kumki elephants to Andhra Pradesh. These elephants are vital in mitigating the conflicts arising from wild elephants encroaching on human settlements. The ceremonial handover took place at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on Tuesday, attended by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan. During the event, CM Siddaramaiah formally presented the specially prepared handover documents for the Kumki elephants to Pawan Kalyan, a move that environmentalists believe highlights the strong ties between the two states. Pawan Kalyan expressed his gratitude to the Karnataka government for its timely support, stating, "Whenever Andhra Pradesh needs assistance, the Karnataka government responds promptly. This exemplifies the friendship between our two states." He added that the Kunki elephants would significantly aid in addressing issues related to wild elephants in the region. Additionally, Kalyan mentioned that the Andhra Pradesh government has established a special training centre dedicated to the conservation of Kumki elephants. He also revealed that a total of nine agreements have been signed between the two states, focusing on environmental protection, wildlife control, and the implementation of green policies.
Hans India
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Pawan Kalyan Voices Concerns Over Rohingya Migration Threat
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has expressed serious concerns regarding the migration of Rohingya individuals, emphasising the potential risks to both unemployment and internal security. Addressing national media at Gannavaram Airport on Tuesday, he suggested that certain elements within the system may be complicating efforts to ensure these migrants do not establish permanent residence. Kalyan urged local police to maintain a heightened level of vigilance, comparable to that of military personnel stationed on the borders. He suggested that the southern states, given their historical vulnerabilities, remain sensitive targets for terrorist activities. Highlighting the necessity of monitoring new arrivals along the coast, Kalyan remarked, "The movement of new people must be closely observed." He also addressed the issues faced by the Madaputengela group, proposing a solution through the use of Kunki elephants. Recalling his previous correspondence with Andhra Pradesh police and administrative staff, Kalyan reiterated the importance of internal security, particularly in light of past attacks in Coimbatore and Hyderabad, which continue to weigh heavily on his heart. He insisted that the state police must prioritise their internal security efforts with the same seriousness as that displayed by border security forces.
