Pawan Kalyan Visits Musalamadugu Kunkie Elephant Training Center

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Forest & Environment Minister Sri Pawan Kalyan visited the Musalamadugu Kunkie (Kumki) Elephant Training Center in Palamaneru constituency, Chittoor district, marking a significant step in strengthening wildlife conservation and mitigating human–elephant conflict in the state.

From reviewing trained elephant demonstrations to launching eco-infra projects and announcing support for mahouts, the visit highlighted a strong, multi-pronged commitment to protecting both people and wildlife.

Keen Observation of Kunkie Elephant Demonstration

Upon arrival, Pawan Kalyan interacted with senior forest officials and learned about elephant training techniques, conservation protocols, and emergency response mechanisms.

Seven Kunkie elephants—four recently brought from Karnataka and three already stationed at the Musalamadugu camp—performed a coordinated demonstration. The elephants marched in sequence, trumpeting and saluting the Minister.

Officials showcased real-time techniques used to:

• Extract timber safely from dense forest areas

• Control wild elephant herds drifting toward agricultural fields

• Administer sedatives using specialized injection guns during crisis situations

Pawan Kalyan closely monitored the procedures and appreciated the agility and discipline of the Kunkie elephants. 

Personal Interaction: Feeding and Blessings

In a symbolic gesture of compassion and respect, the Deputy Chief Minister personally fed jaggery to the elephants. The Kunkies responded warmly, blessing him with their gentle trunk salutes—an emotional moment highlighting the bond between humans and these magnificent beings. 

Support for Mahouts: ₹50,000 Personal Reward

Recognizing the immense responsibility shouldered by mahouts in managing trained elephants, Pawan Kalyan offered a ₹50,000 reward from his own pocket. This act emphasized the government's recognition of their dedication, skill, and risk-laden duties. 

Inauguration of Musalamadugu Elephant Camp

Pawan Kalyan inaugurated the newly established Musalamadugu Elephant Camp, which will function as both a training center for Kunkie elephants and a future eco-tourism attraction. He unveiled the official plaque and reviewed the facilities created under the Forest Department’s guidance.

Foundation Stone for Gajaramam City Forest

The Minister laid the foundation for the upcoming Gajaramam City Forest, envisioned to add green cover, strengthen habitat management, and enhance eco-tourism potential in the region. 

Launching Advanced Solar Fencing System

To reduce crop damage and protect human settlements from wild elephant raids, Pawan Kalyan initiated the construction of an advanced solar-powered swinging forest elephant barrier fence.

This fence aims to:

• Prevent wild elephants from entering villages and farms

• Provide night-time safety to forest-fringe communities

• Reduce accidental encounters leading to casualtie 

Miyawaki-Style Dense Forest Plantation

The Deputy Chief Minister also launched a Miyawaki-style plantation covering 250 sq. meters. By planting an Indian Siris sapling, he officially kickstarted the dense-forest development initiative.

He recorded a video of the plantation layout—trees planted at one-meter spacing—and discussed with officials the upcoming plans for constructing water ponds within the plantation area. 

Project HANUMAN: Healing and Nurturing Units for Wildlife

One of the most notable additions to Andhra Pradesh’s wildlife protection strategy is the launch and review of Project HANUMAN, which stands for:

Healing And Nurturing Units for Monitoring, Aid & Nursing of Wildlife

Under this ambitious initiative:

• Rapid-response teams will monitor elephant movement and wildlife emergencies

• Mobile rescue units will provide immediate veterinary care

• A statewide wildlife health infrastructure upgrade has been initiated

• A specialized mobile app for real-time wildlife alerts is planned for launch

• Radio-collaring of wild elephants has been approved for accurate tracking

• Multi-department coordination (Forest, Agriculture, Panchayat Raj, Horticulture) is being strengthened

• Conflict-affected communities will receive training and awareness programs

Project HANUMAN is designed to offer end-to-end wildlife care, from monitoring and rescue to nursing, rehabilitation, and community safety. 

Why This Visit Matters

🔹 Tackling Human–Elephant Conflict

Chittoor district is among the highest conflict zones, with recurring wild elephant incursions impacting crops and lives. The training center and solar fencing aim to drastically reduce these incidents.

🔹 Strengthening Wildlife Conservation

A combination of Kunkie elephants, trained mahouts, modern monitoring systems, and a Miyawaki forest plan ensures holistic conservation.

🔹 Boosting Eco-Tourism

The Musalamadugu camp is expected to evolve as an educational and tourism-friendly wildlife facility. 

Conclusion

Pawan Kalyan’s visit to Musalamadugu signifies a turning point in Andhra Pradesh’s wildlife management. By combining traditional expertise (Kunkie elephants and mahouts) with modern technologies (solar fencing, wildlife tracking, Project HANUMAN), the state is creating a safer, greener, and more sustainable future for both wildlife and people.