Tracks of herds of elephants found along a forested road in Seshachalam hills near Kodur railway in Annamayya district.
The Andhra Pradesh Forest Department has strictly prohibited the movement of the public and pilgrims on the forest road through Settigunta, Kukkaladoddi, Railway Kodur and Manmandur routes in Sri Venkateswara National Park (SVNP) in Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve in view of the constant movement of wild elephants.
Annamayya District Forest Officer (DFO) R. Jagannath Singh, speaking to the media here on Wednesday, warned that three herds of elephants, each with 15 to 17 animals, including six calves, were frequently crossing the Balapalli, Railway Kodur and Rajampeta forest arteries.
“The latest monitoring in these areas led to the discovery of fresh tracks and deposits of elephant dung and feeding marks of calves. The presence of calves was also confirmed by camera traps. These conditions are of high risk for the movement of people due to the unpredictable and aggressive behavior of wild herds,” said the DFO.
The official said the NE National Park strip has witnessed several fatal attacks in recent years, including four human casualties. It has been observed that these forest paths will be used by pilgrims on foot towards Tirumala and other temples in the forested areas.
DFO stated that section 27 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 was currently invoked to prohibit entry into a wildlife reserve without a valid permit. “The offense will be punishable with imprisonment up to three years or a fine of ₹25,000 or both,” said Mr Jagannath Singh, urging pilgrims and the public to strictly avoid the main belt to avoid human-elephant conflict.
Published – 03 Dec 2025 19:15 IST
