‘Hanuman’ project launched to tackle human–wildlife conflict in Andhra Pradesh

In a major initiative aimed at reducing human–wildlife conflict and strengthening wildlife conservation, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Forest & Environment Pawan Kalyan on Tuesday (March 3, 2026)launched the ‘Hanuman’ Project in Mangalagiri near Vijayawada.

The project — Healing and Nurturing Units for Monitoring, Aid and Nursing of Wildlife (HANUMAN) — has been designed as a comprehensive scientific and technological intervention to protect both wildlife and people living in forest fringe villages. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Pawan Kalyan said India believes in the philosophy of “Vasudhaika Kutumbam,” where all living beings, including wildlife, are part of one family. Maintaining ecological balance and protecting wildlife are essential for human survival, he noted.

As part of the launch, over 100 specially designed rapid response and rescue vehicles were flagged off. Of these, 93 are Rapid Response and Rescue Vehicles, while seven are fully equipped ambulances to provide medical aid to injured wild animals. The system also includes four Wildlife Rescue and Treatment Centres at Visakhapatnam, Rajamahendravaram, Tirupati, and Byrluti, along with 19 rapid response teams stationed across the State.

Each vehicle will be staffed with a Forest Range Officer, veterinary personnel, tribal helpers, and para-veterinarians to ensure swift and professional handling of wildlife emergencies. At the village level, ‘Vajra’ teams — trained wildlife protectors — are being formed and equipped with rescue kits to handle incidents involving snakes and other animals locally.

Highlighting compensation measures, Mr. Pawan Kalyan said the ex-gratia amount for deaths due to wild animal attacks has been increased from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh, while compensation for injuries has been raised to ₹2 lakh. In 2025–26 alone, 2,107 cases of human–wildlife conflict were recorded across the State, with nearly ₹4 crore paid as compensation. Livestock losses are being compensated based on market value.

The Minister also pointed out that in districts like Chittoor, Srikakulam, and Parvathipuram Manyam, elephant-related incidents have been significant. With support from the Karnataka government, four ‘Kumki’ elephants were brought in, and eight operations have been successfully conducted to drive away wild elephants and protect crops and lives.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based monitoring systems are being piloted to track wildlife movement and provide early warnings in forest-border villages. A dedicated Hanuman digital app and GPS tracking system have also been launched to ensure real-time coordination.

During the event, the Deputy Chief Minister distributed appreciation certificates to outstanding Forest personnel and NGOs contributing to wildlife conservation. He also inspected special galleries showcasing rescue equipment, wildlife conservation measures, medicinal plants, and information on species such as the King Cobra found in the Eastern Ghats.

Senior officials present at the event included Forest, Environment and Science & Technology Principal Secretary Kantilaal Dande, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force P. V. Chalapathi Rao, Forest Department Advisor P. Mallikarjuna Rao, IT Advisor P. Nageswara Rao, Additional PCCF Rahul Pandey, Guntur District Collector Tamim Ansaria, and APSP 6th Battalion Commandant Nagesh Babu, among others.