Elephant Herd Creates Panic in Chandragiri

A herd of around 30 elephants has been creating panic in Chandragiri and Yerravaripalem mandals of Chittoor district. The elephants entered agricultural fields in Moolapalli village and damaged coconut, paddy, tomato and fodder crops, causing concern among farmers. During an attempt to prevent the elephants from entering the fields, farmer Keshava Reddy was injured. He reportedly suffered a fractured hand and is undergoing treatment at a hospital. The herd has also been staying near the Moolapalli tank, raising concerns among residents.

Forest department officials have launched efforts to drive the elephants back into the forest and are monitoring their movement across the Chandragiri, Yerravaripalem, Bhakarapet and Talakona forest areas. Officials have urged villagers not to approach or provoke the elephants and to maintain a safe distance. Farmers, meanwhile, have demanded a permanent solution to the recurring human-elephant conflict, including the deployment of trained kumki elephants to prevent herds from entering villages and agricultural areas.