Project HANUMAN Andhra Pradesh was launched by Pawan Kalyan on March 3, 2026, marking the occasion of World Wildlife Day. The initiative aims to reduce rising human-wildlife conflicts in the state and strengthen systems for wildlife rescue, treatment, and monitoring.

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The project was unveiled at the Andhra Pradesh Special Police 6th Battalion Parade Grounds in Mangalagiri, Guntur district. It introduces a comprehensive strategy that combines rapid response teams, rehabilitation centres, technology-based monitoring, and community participation to protect both people and wildlife.

What is Project HANUMAN?

Project HANUMAN Andhra Pradesh stands for Healing and Nurturing Units for Monitoring, Aid and Nursing of Wildlife. The programme focuses on quick rescue operations, improved veterinary care for injured animals, and advanced monitoring systems to track wildlife movement near forest boundaries.

The initiative also strengthens coordination between departments such as the forest department, police, agriculture, and local governance bodies to ensure a unified response to wildlife emergencies.

Rising Human-Wildlife Conflict in the State

Human-wildlife conflict has become a serious concern in Andhra Pradesh due to habitat loss, agricultural expansion, and wildlife moving closer to human settlements.

During the financial year 2025–26, the state recorded 2,107 conflict incidents. To support affected families, the government paid nearly ₹4 crore as compensation.

Authorities have also increased compensation for victims. Payment for deaths caused by animal attacks has been raised from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh, while compensation for injured victims has increased to ₹2 lakh. Livestock loss will now be compensated based on current market value.

Rapid Response Units and Rescue Infrastructure

Under Project HANUMAN Andhra Pradesh, the government will deploy 100 specialised vehicles, including 93 rapid response vehicles and seven wildlife ambulances.

Each response team will include a forest range officer, veterinary staff, tribal assistants, and trained support personnel. These teams will rescue injured animals, provide medical treatment, and safely relocate wildlife when necessary.

The state has also established four wildlife rescue and treatment centres in Visakhapatnam, Rajamahendravaram, Tirupati, and Birlut to improve wildlife rehabilitation services.

Village Volunteer Teams and Elephant Management

The programme also introduces “Vajra” (Wildlife Rakshak) village volunteer teams. These trained local volunteers help manage minor wildlife incidents such as snake rescues and animal sightings, reducing panic in villages.

The initiative further addresses increasing elephant movement in districts like Chittoor, Srikakulam, and Parvatipuram Manyam.

In coordination with Karnataka, authorities have deployed four Kumki elephants, specially trained elephants used to control and guide wild herds. So far, officials have carried out eight operations to manage elephant movement and protect farmland and settlements.

Technology Integration for Wildlife Monitoring

Technology plays a key role in Project HANUMAN Andhra Pradesh. The forest department plans to introduce artificial intelligence-based monitoring systems to track wildlife movement near forests and send early alerts before animals enter villages.

A dedicated HANUMAN digital mobile application has also been developed to help field staff monitor wildlife, coordinate rescue operations, and improve response time.

By combining rapid response units, technology, and community participation, Project HANUMAN Andhra Pradesh aims to create a safer environment for both humans and wildlife while strengthening conservation efforts across the state.