Wild Elephant Herd Causes Crop Damage Near Chittoor, Forest Officials Deploy Kumkis

A herd of 13 wild elephants, including two newborn calves, has been residing in a valley along the Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu border near Chittoor for several weeks, causing crop damage and distress among local villagers. Forest officials have deployed trained kumki elephants and personnel to guide the herd back toward its migratory route to Karnataka. The operation is cautious due to the presence of calves and occasional aggressive behavior from one male elephant, while officials continue to assess crop losses and plan exit routes.