Andhra Pradesh Launches "Hanuman" Project
Andhra Pradesh has launched a new initiative named the "Hanuman" project to mitigate rising human-wildlife conflict. The program aims to implement new conservation strategies to protect both local communities and animals in the state.
The "Hanuman" project, an acronym for "Healing and Nurturing Units for Monitoring, Aid and Nursing of Wildlife," was launched by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan. It represents a significant policy shift towards using technology and rapid, localized response to address the state's persistent human-animal conflicts. On average, Andhra Pradesh loses about 30 lives annually in conflicts with animals, particularly elephants, bears, and wild boars. In the 2025-26 period alone, there were 2,107 recorded incidents of human-wildlife conflict, leading to compensation payouts of nearly ₹4 crore. The problem is especially acute in districts like Chittoor, Srikakulam, and Parvathipuram Manyam, where elephant-related incidents are a major concern. A key component of the project is a fleet of over 100 GPS-enabled vehicles, including 93 for rapid response and 7 wildlife ambulances. These are deployed to support 19 Rapid Response Teams and four new Wildlife Rescue and Treatment Centers in key locations like Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, and Tirupati. The initiative is also leveraging artificial intelligence for early warning systems that monitor wildlife movement near forest-border villages. A dedicated "Hanuman" mobile app provides real-time updates to communities. At the village level, trained "Vajra" teams are being equipped to handle local incidents, while "Sarpa Mitra" volunteers will focus on snake rescues. To provide immediate relief to affected citizens, the government has doubled the ex gratia for deaths caused by wild animal attacks from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh. Compensation for injuries has been increased to ₹2 lakh, and livestock losses will be compensated based on current market value. The strategy also includes long-term ecological solutions. In Chittoor district, for instance, the project encourages farmers to shift from crops like mangoes that attract elephants to alternatives such as beekeeping and eco-tourism. To manage elephant herds, the state has brought in four trained "Kumki" elephants from Karnataka, which have already conducted eight successful operations to drive wild elephants back into forests.
