Project HANUMAN launched to tackle human-wildlife conflict

metro india news  I AMARAVATI

Addressing rising incidents of human-wildlife conflict, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Forest Minister Pawan Kalyan on Tuesday launched Project HANUMAN (Healing and Nurturing Units for Monitoring, Aid and Nurturing of Wildlife) on the occasion of World Wildlife Day.

The programme was formally inaugurated at the APSP 6th Battalion Parade Grounds in Mangalagiri, where over 100 specially designed rapid response vehicles were flagged off. The initiative aims to reduce crop damage, livestock loss and threats to human life caused by wildlife intrusions, while simultaneously strengthening wildlife conservation.

Addressing the gathering, Kalyan said the project was designed to shift the approach from conflict to co-living. He stressed that the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the world as one family, must guide governance. “The Earth does not belong to humans alone. Wildlife is an integral part of our ecological balance. Protecting animals while safeguarding human lives and livelihoods is our collective responsibility,” he said.

Referring to districts such as Chittoor, Parvathipuram Manyam and Srikakulam, where elephant movement has caused recurring distress, he noted that the government has adopted a scientific and technology-driven strategy. “Whenever an incident occurs, the response must be immediate. Relief, rescue and compensation cannot be delayed. Through HANUMAN, we are building a system that acts within hours, not days,” he asserted.

Under the project, 93 Rapid Response and Rescue Team vehicles and seven wildlife ambulances equipped with tranquilisation and veterinary facilities have been deployed. Four Wildlife Rescue and Treatment Centres have been established at Visakhapatnam, 

Rajamahendravaram, Tirupati and Bairluti. Each vehicle is staffed with a Forest Range Officer, veterinary personnel, para-veterinarians and trained tribal assistants, supported by GPS tracking and a dedicated HANUMAN digital application.

The Deputy Chief Minister announced that ex gratia for deaths in wildlife attacks has been enhanced from Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh, while those injured will receive Rs. 2 lakh. Compensation for livestock loss will be paid at market value. In 2025-26, the State recorded 2,107 human–wildlife conflict cases and disbursed nearly ₹4 crore in relief.

Four trained ‘kumki’ elephants have been deployed with support from Karnataka, completing eight successful operations to drive wild elephants back into forests. AI-based early warning systems, bulk SMS alerts and sound-based deterrent technologies are being introduced in vulnerable forest-fringe villages.

“Let us live together and grow together,” Pawan Kalyan said, expressing confidence that Project HANUMAN would emerge as a model framework for humane and technology-driven wildlife management in India.