05.05.23 Daily [Andhra Pradesh] APPSC Current Affairs

The Andhra Pradesh Government is initiating several steps to ensure the safe passage of elephants that move in from Odisha, Karnataka and Naidu to AP districts on a regular basis. The aim of the government is to facilitate the co-existence of elephants and humans.

In compliance with the advice of the Project Elephant Steering Committee of the Wildlife Institute of India and also taking note of the observations of The Supreme Court, the AP forest authorities aim to develop an Elephant Corridor.

A plan is also to provide relief to farmers for the loss of crops and extend financial assistance in case of death of people due to elephant attacks. The government would also ensure casual EMPLOYMENT on an Outsourcing basis to one of the bereaved family members, giving them work like elephant trackers.

Forest authorities say there used to be just 20 elephants in AP in the 1980s their number has gone up to nearly 175 now. They are found mainly in Seshachalam Biosphere, Sri Venkateswara National Park, Rayala Elephant Reserve, Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary etc.