Forest routes in SV National Park closed to pilgrims, public due to movement of wild elephants

The Andhra Pradesh Forest department has strictly prohibited public and pilgrim movement along the forest route through Settigunta, Kukkaladoddi, Railway Kodur and Manmandur routes in Sri Venkateswara National Park (SVNP) of Seshachalam biosphere in view of the constant movement of wild elephants.

Speaking to the media here on Wednesday, Annamayya District Forest Officer (DFO) R. Jagannath Singh cautioned that three herds of elephants, each with 15 to 17 animals, including six calves, were frequently crossing the Balapalli, Railway Kodur and Rajampeta forest beats.

“The latest monitoring on these stretches led to the finding of fresh footprints and dung deposits of the elephants, and feeding signs of the calves. The camera traps also confirmed the presence of calves. These conditions are highly risky for human movement due to the unpredictable and aggressive behaviour of the wild herds,” the DFO said.

The official said that the SV National Park belt had witnessed multiple fatal attacks in recent years, including four human casualties. It was observed that these forest routes would be used by the pedestrian pilgrims towards Tirumala and other temples in the forested areas.

The DFO said that Section 27 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, had been invoked at present to prohibit entry into the wildlife sanctuary without a valid permit. “The offence will be punishable with up to three years’ imprisonment or a ₹25,000 fine, or both,” Mr. Jagannath Singh said, urging pilgrims and public to strictly avoid the main belt to prevent human-elephant conflict.