Kumkis help tackle a jumbo task in Chittoor

The saga of wild elephants raiding crops along forest fringes had been a frequent news story. Conventional responses—firecrackers, drums, or vehicles—soon proved ineffective. Then came the Forest Department’s Kumki initiative, which began playing a vital role in guiding wild herds back. Their camp life— bond with mahouts and kavadis, daily routines, strength, and care—captures the essence of this initiative, explores K. Umashanker