Karnataka has agreed to send eight Kumki elephants to Andhra Pradesh to address man-elephant conflicts. The Karnataka Forest Department will dispatch the trained elephants, as requested by Andhra Pradesh to manage wild elephant damage and attacks.
The decision followed a meeting between Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre in Bengaluru on Thursday. Khandre noted that Karnataka has previously sent Kumki elephants to Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh.
Pawan Kalyan, who oversees Environment and Forests, said after the meeting that both states agreed to collaborate on forest, wildlife, and red sander protection. They reached a memorandum of understanding covering seven points.
The discussions included the return of red sander worth Rs 140 crore, seized in Karnataka but belonging to Andhra Pradesh. Kalyan praised Karnataka officials for their honesty in declaring the seized red sander. Karnataka had seized red sander worth Rs 100 crore in 2017 and Rs 40 crore this year.
The states also addressed red sander cutting in Sheshachalam forests and smuggling issues. Kalyan asked Karnataka officials to curb smuggling to other countries, noting that red sander from Andhra Pradesh is trafficked to Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and beyond.
Officials from both states will develop an action plan using technology to protect forest resources and maintain strict surveillance with satellite technology. They also committed to tackling poaching firmly. Forest officials will collaborate to enforce the ban and protect wildlife in border areas.
Kalyan discussed eco-tourism opportunities, including promoting safari and jungle tours. Both states will cooperate on forest protection, with plans for workshops and conferences to raise awareness about conservation.
Regarding Karnataka’s request for land in Srisailam and Tirumala for pilgrim accommodation, Kalyan said he would inform Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. The state Cabinet will decide on the matter.
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