Andhra Pradesh Launches Project HANUMAN to Reduce Human-Wildlife Conflict

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan launched “Project HANUMAN” on March 3, 2026, coinciding with World Wildlife Day. The initiative aims to address the rising incidents of human-wildlife conflict in the state while strengthening wildlife rescue, treatment and monitoring systems. The project was unveiled at the Andhra Pradesh Special Police 6th Battalion Parade Grounds in Mangalagiri, Guntur district.

Project HANUMAN stands for “Healing and Nurturing Units for Monitoring, Aid and Nursing of Wildlife”. The programme focuses on rapid response, wildlife rehabilitation and technological monitoring to ensure both human safety and wildlife conservation across forest-bordering regions of the state.

Rising Human-Wildlife Conflict in Andhra Pradesh

Human-wildlife conflict has been increasing in Andhra Pradesh due to habitat pressure, expanding agriculture and wildlife movement into human settlements. In the financial year 2025–26, the state recorded “2,107 incidents” of such conflict. The government paid nearly “₹4 crore as compensation” to affected individuals and families.

To support victims, the state government has revised compensation norms. The payment for deaths caused by animal attacks has been increased from “₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh”, while compensation for injured victims has been raised to “₹2 lakh”. Compensation for livestock losses will be provided according to prevailing market value.

Rapid Response Units and Rescue Infrastructure

Project HANUMAN introduces a dedicated response mechanism for wildlife emergencies. The government will deploy “100 specialised vehicles”, including “93 rapid response vehicles and seven wildlife ambulances”.

Each unit will include a “forest range officer, veterinary personnel, tribal assistants and trained support staff”. Their role will be to rescue injured animals, provide immediate medical care and safely relocate wildlife when required.

Additionally, “four wildlife rescue and treatment centres” have been established at “Visakhapatnam, Rajamahendravaram, Tirupati and Birlut” to strengthen wildlife rehabilitation facilities in the state.

Village-Level Volunteer Teams and Elephant Management

To improve local response, the government has introduced “‘Vajra’ (Wildlife Rakshak) teams” at the village level. These teams consist of trained volunteers who can handle minor wildlife incursions and snake rescues, helping prevent panic and unnecessary harm to animals.

The initiative also addresses increasing elephant depredation in districts such as “Chittoor, Srikakulam and Parvatipuram Manyam”. In collaboration with the Karnataka government, Andhra Pradesh has deployed “four Kumki elephants”—trained elephants used to manage wild herds. Authorities have already conducted “eight operations” to control elephant movement and protect crops and settlements.

Important Facts for Exams

• World Wildlife Day is observed annually on 3 March to promote global wildlife conservation.
• Kumki elephants are trained captive elephants used to control or guide wild elephant herds.
• Human-wildlife conflict commonly occurs due to habitat loss, agricultural expansion and wildlife corridor disruption.
• Rapid response wildlife units are increasingly used in Indian states for rescue, treatment and conflict mitigation.

Technology Integration and Digital Monitoring

A key component of Project HANUMAN is the integration of technology into wildlife monitoring. Authorities plan to use “artificial intelligence-based systems” to track animal movement near forest boundaries and issue early warnings before animals enter human settlements.

The forest department has also developed a “HANUMAN digital mobile application” to assist field staff and streamline monitoring and response activities. The project will operate through coordination between the “Forest Department, Panchayati Raj institutions, agriculture, horticulture, revenue and police departments”, ensuring a comprehensive strategy to reduce human-wildlife conflict while strengthening conservation efforts.