Now Reading: Chittoor’s rising elephant population fuels conflict
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Chittoor’s rising elephant population fuels conflict
Andhra Pradesh's Chittoor district now hosts over 140 wild Asian elephants, both resident and migratory, after the species reappeared near Kuppam in the 1980s following a gap of more than two centuries.…
The Story in Brief
Andhra Pradesh's Chittoor district now hosts over 140 wild Asian elephants, both resident and migratory, after the species reappeared near Kuppam in the 1980s following a gap of more than two centuries. The Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary was created to protect them, but elephants now roam beyond its borders into farmland, orchards and highways, triggering deadly encounters. Over the past decade, more than 20 elephants have been electrocuted and a dozen humans killed, while crop losses pile up annually. Forest officials have deployed six Kumki elephants at the Palamaner camp to manage conflicts, most recently capturing a wild tusker that was repeatedly crossing the Chittoor-Bengaluru highway in July.
The Indian Opinion
The narrative of unqualified conservation success overlooks the rising toll on both elephants and farmers. Electrocution deaths and crop damage suggest that protection without safe corridors and better fencing is half a solution. Officials boast of population growth but remain silent on compensation delays. The real test is whether the elevated expressway through Koundinya sanctuary, now called a marvel, will reduce elephant deaths or simply push herds into new farmland. Can connectivity and safety coexist without a concrete corridor plan funded promptly?
Source: thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
