Rayagada After significant loss of life and property due to elephant herds, the Andhra Pradesh administration has finally taken action. Efforts have begun to establish an Elephant Conservation Center in the Chumisi Reserve Forest, located near the Rayagada district border.
According to a forest department official, nearly 10 km of forest area will be cleared, and solar-powered fencing will be installed. Additionally, secure dams will be built to store rainwater flowing from the hills.
The initiative fulfills a promise made by the Chandrababu Naidu government during the elections, said activist Jagadishwari. In the past four years, 17 people have died, and severe damage has been caused to property and crops due to elephant attacks in Manyam district, Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, conflicts between humans and elephants have resulted in the deaths of 11 elephants.
The Andhra Pradesh forest department has previously blamed the Odisha and Rayagada forest departments for these incidents. It is reported that elephants from Rayagada migrate to Manyam district, Andhra Pradesh, due to food and water scarcity, leading to destruction. However, Manyam district forest officer G. Prasuna has assured that strict measures are being taken for elephant conservation.