AP, K’taka govts sign MoU on forest protection

Deputy Chief Minister and Panchayat Raj, Environment and Forest Minister K Pawan Kalyan has announced a collaborative effort with Karnataka to address shared environmental challenges. After meeting with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Minister Eshwar B Khandre in Bangalore, the two states signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on forest conservation.
A key issue discussed was the escalating elephant menace affecting both states. Karnataka pledged to provide eight Kumki elephants to Andhra Pradesh to mitigate crop damage caused by wild elephants. Pawan Kalyan expressed concern over the significant agricultural losses incurred due to elephant raids.
The ministers also addressed the persistent problem of red sander smuggling. Karnataka police have seized red sander logs worth Rs 140 crore during the past few years while being transported illegally from Andhra Pradesh. To combat this, both states will explore advanced technologies, including satellite surveillance, to monitor red sander smuggling activities. Karnataka has extended an invitation to Andhra Pradesh to establish Yatri Niwas facilities at Tirumala and Srisailam for the convenience of their devotees.  
This proposal will be presented to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for consideration.
Both states have committed to developing a comprehensive strategy for ecotourism.
During the meeting, seven key areas were identified for cooperation, including preventing indiscriminate felling of red sander trees, curbing illegal transportation, and combating poaching.
Pawan Kalyan expressed his admiration for Kannada culture and traditions, vowing to learn the language.
The meeting concluded with a presentation on leveraging technology for forest management by Karnataka forest officials.