Pawan Orders Elephant Safety Measures

A 65-year-old farmer, B. Thimma Reddy, was killed in an elephant attack at Pallaguttapalli village in Pakala mandal of Tirupati district on Thursday, prompting Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Forest Minister Pawan Kalyan to order immediate action. Expressing grief over the incident, he sought a detailed report from Forest Department officials on the circumstances leading to the attack and the movement of elephant herds in the area.

Pawan Kalyan conveyed condolences to the victim’s family and directed officials to ensure immediate compensation as per government norms. He instructed the Forest Department and district administration to strengthen early warning systems, intensify monitoring of elephant movements, and improve coordination with local communities to prevent similar incidents.

Forest officials said elephant movement is being closely tracked and regular alerts are being issued to villages located near forest areas. They added that additional preventive measures would be implemented in consultation with local stakeholders.

In a separate review meeting, Pawan Kalyan also directed Panchayat Raj and Rural Development officials to strengthen measures against seasonal diseases during the monsoon. He stressed improved sanitation, safe drinking water, mosquito control, fogging, scientific waste management, and public awareness campaigns. He also instructed officials to monitor drinking water systems to prevent contamination and ensure public health.