Operation Kumki & Project H.A.N.U.M.A.N: AP Wildlife Conflict Strategy
The human-wildlife conflict in Andhra Pradesh, particularly involving wild elephants, has caused significant loss of life and agricultural devastation over the past decade. To combat this crisis proactively, the AP Forest Department, under the leadership of Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, launched Operation Kumki and Project H.A.N.U.M.A.N. (Healing And Nurturing Units for Monitoring, Aid and Nursing of Wildlife).
Operation Kumki deploys highly trained elephants (Kumkis) imported from Karnataka to safely guide wild herds away from human settlements. Complementing this, Project H.A.N.U.M.A.N. introduces an advanced technological infrastructure—featuring AI monitoring, rapid response vans, and mobile wildlife ambulances. Together, these initiatives represent a paradigm shift from reactive damage control to a sustainable, non-lethal strategy ensuring safe coexistence for both rural communities and wildlife across Andhra Pradesh.
The Human-Elephant Conflict Crisis
In a major step towards resolving Andhra Pradesh's decades-old Human–Elephant Conflict (HEC), Operation Kumki is reshaping wildlife management. The Chittoor region had suffered immense losses, and traditional interventions were no longer effective.
Key Issues (2011-2024)
- 25 Human Fatalities:25 మానవ మరణాలు: Farmers and villagers living in constant fear for their lives.
- 46 Elephant Deaths:46 ఏనుగుల మరణాలు: Tragic losses from electrocution and poisoning, escalating the conflict.
- 203+ Acres Crop Damage:203+ ఎకరాల పంట నష్టం: Devastating economic impact on local agricultural communities.
The Kumki Doctrine
At the heart of the initiative is the Kumki—a trained, conflict-intervention elephant. Derived from the Persian word kumak (meaning “helper”), this doctrine marks a transformative shift from reactive to proactive, systematic herd management.
Pillars of the Doctrine
- Ancient Husbandry:పురాతన పశుపోషణ: Using traditional techniques to train elephants for controlling wild herds.
- Modern Technology:ఆధునిక సాంకేతికత: 24/7 aerial surveillance via drones and real-time village alerts.
- Inter-State Collaboration:అంతర్రాష్ట్ర సహకారం: Partnering with Karnataka to procure trained Kumkis and share expert knowledge.
Key Quote: A New Vision
"Pawan Kalyan's leadership was pivotal in overcoming the political inertia. With a strong mandate, he secured funding and established a task force to execute this proactive new strategy."
The Kumki Squad & Interactive Herd Simulation
Meet the elite elephants leading the operation. Tap a name below to see the squad's specialized movements and charge animations.
Jayant
Royal elephant caught in 1986. Served in Tirupati zoo, then as a Kumki in Naniyala and Musalimadugu camps. Known for participating in highly risky herd-guiding operations.
Vinayak
Chittoor district pride. Caught in 2002 at Yadamari, trained at Naniyala elephant camp. Expert in navigating difficult terrains and tracking wild herds.
Ranjan
Known as the 'Pride of Karnataka'. Brought to Musalimadugu elephant camp, bringing years of veteran experience to the AP conflict mitigation squad.
Krishna
The 'Karnataka Junior Champion'. An active and friendly elephant deployed to Musalimadugu. Highly responsive, crucial for rapid intervention tactics.
Abhimanyu
Along with Krishna, affectionately called 'Musalimadugu muddu biddalu'. A strong, reliable leader often taking point during complex herd formations.
Deva
The newest addition from Karnataka. Shows great promise in conflict mitigation with a distinct desire for staying independent during operations.
Project H.A.N.U.M.A.N.
Healing And Nurturing Units for Monitoring, Aid and Nursing
Protect Lives.
Preserve Wildlife.
An integrated system for conflict prevention, rapid response, and wildlife conservation across Andhra Pradesh.
Key Infrastructure Highlights
- Launch of 100 technologically advanced vehicles, including 93 rapid response vans and 7 wildlife ambulances.
- Four wildlife rescue centers established in Visakhapatnam, Rajamahendravaram, and Tirupati.
- Rapid compensation of ₹4 crore paid out in 2025-26 for 217 registered property cases.
- Life cover due to attacks increased from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
H.A.N.U.M.A.N Foundation Strategies
Comprehensive approaches for wildlife conservation and human-animal conflict mitigation
Creation of H.A.N.U.M.A.N Foundation
Regional Wildlife Rescue & Treatment Centres (RWRTC)
Launch of Rapid Response Vans
Rapid Response and Rescue Teams
Launch of Mobile Wildlife Ambulances
Adoption of new and modern relevant technologies
Upgradation of Elephant monitoring system
Promotion of community participation in HWC mitigation
Launch of a user-friendly Mobile Application
Mitigating Monkey menace
Sarpa Mithra - Snake conservation
Core Operational Modules
Interactive 3D representations of specialized sub-systems handling specific species and conflicts.
Gaja Praja
Elephant Force
Dedicated elephant management and conservation unit for human-elephant conflict resolution in Northern & Southern AP.
- • Tracking Migration Routes
- • Crop Protection Measures
Sarpa Mitra
Snake Conservation
Professional snake rescue and rehabilitation services, ensuring safe relocation of reptiles across the entire State.
- • Expert Handler Dispatch
- • Public Safety Awareness
Monkey Management
Urban & Fringe Areas
Humane monkey population management and conflict resolution near forest fringes, highways, and religious shrines.
- • Humane Relocation
- • Population Monitoring
Advanced Infrastructure
Explore our 3D mobile units equipped for effective wildlife protection.
23
Rapid Rescue Response Vans
(nos.)
81
Pooled Vehicles
(nos.)
4
Ambulances for Animals
(nos.)
Rapid Response Vans
Specialized mobile units equipped with comprehensive rescue gear, tranquilization equipment, medical kits, and real-time monitoring technology for immediate wildlife emergency response across 10 strategic districts.
- • 10 strategically deployed mobile units
- • Covering 10 critical districts
- • Dedicated elephant rescue teams
- • 24/7 emergency response capability
Mobile Wildlife Ambulances
Advanced mobile treatment centers with specialized veterinary teams, providing critical care and safe transport for injured wildlife across all terrains with 24/7 operational readiness.
- • 4 primary units at central headquarters
- • Regional stations for expanded coverage
- • Advanced life support equipment
- • Climate-controlled animal transport
Pooled Vehicle
Dedicated field response vehicles strategically pooled at division and range levels to ensure rapid deployment during wildlife conflict incidents, emergency rescue operations, and patrol support activities.
- • Rapid response mobility for conflict sites
- • Equipped with rescue and containment kits
- • 24/7 availability for emergency deployment
- • Integrated communication with control room
Impact, Milestones & Evidence
Documenting the successful deployment and public reception of Operation Kumki.
First Success: August 2025
The inaugural deployment was a massive game-changer. A herd of 14 wild elephants threatening Mogili village was safely intercepted by three Kumkis—Krishna, Jayant, and Vinayaka—and guided back to the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary without a single casualty.
- Immediate Relief: Protected farmers who had been living in fear for months.
- Widespread Praise: Applauded globally for its non-lethal effectiveness.
- Psychological Shift: Restored public faith in government wildlife intervention.
Operation Timeline Updates
Conservation Support: Zoo Adoption Family
Happy Birthday & Warm Welcome!
Sri Konidala Pawan Kalyan, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of AP (Environment & Forests), visited the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Visakhapatnam. On the occasion of his mother Smt. Anjana Devi garu’s birthday, he officially adopted two giraffes for a period of one year, funding their complete care and conservation from 29-01-2026 to 28-01-2027.
This adoption directly contributes to elevated wildlife care and habitat preservation.