I Will Personally Care for the Kumki Elephants, Says Pawan Kalyan

In a significant step to prevent the loss of life and property caused by elephant incursions into farmlands and human settlements in Andhra Pradesh, the state government has initiated key measures. As part of this initiative, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan personally received five Kumki elephants provided by the Government of Karnataka.

The official handover took place during a special event held at Vidhana Soudha in Karnataka, in the presence of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, and Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre. During the ceremony, the five Kumki elephants were formally handed over to officials from the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department.

Speaking at the occasion, Pawan Kalyan stated, “I give my word to the Hon’ble Chief Minister and Forest Minister of Karnataka that these Kumki elephants will be taken care of with utmost diligence. I will personally oversee their care.”

Pawan Kalyan expressed anguish over the human and property losses caused by wild elephants intruding into human habitations over the past two decades. “These Kumki elephants we have received today will help save many lives in the future and also prevent further property damage,” he said.

He further revealed that both Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are ready to collaborate on critical issues such as curbing red sandalwood smuggling and conserving forest resources. “Despite being governed by different political coalitions, Karnataka has come forward in the spirit of cooperation on the important issue of environmental conservation. They have not only given us elephants, but also opened their hearts for the people of Andhra Pradesh,” said Pawan Kalyan, extending his gratitude to the Karnataka government.

As part of the ceremony, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah handed over the official documents and care guidelines related to the Kumki elephants to Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan. The arrival of these Kumki elephants is expected to bring relief to residents of agency areas and villages bordering forest regions in the state.