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Andhra's Project HANUMAN Launches to Tackle Human-Wildlife Conflict

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has launched Project HANUMAN to address human-wildlife conflict in vulnerable districts. The initiative deploys a fleet of GPS-enabled rapid response vehicles and wildlife ambulances while establishing new rescue and treatment centres. Compensation for victims has been significantly enhanced, with ex-gratia for fatalities rising to Rs. 10 lakhs. The project also incorporates AI-based early warning systems and aligns with recent central government guidelines and amended wildlife protection laws.

Key Points: Andhra Pradesh Launches Project HANUMAN for Wildlife Conflict

  • 100 GPS-enabled rapid response vehicles deployed
  • Ex-gratia for deaths raised to Rs. 10 lakhs
  • AI-based early warning systems for villages
  • Four new Wildlife Rescue Centres established
2 min read

Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan launches project HANUMAN, aims to resolve human-wildlife conflict

Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan launches Project HANUMAN with GPS vehicles, enhanced compensation, and AI warnings to protect villages and wildlife.

"The goal of HANUMAN is to turn human-wildlife conflict into responsible coexistence. - Pawan Kalyan"

Amaravati, March 3

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan launched Project HANUMAN to address human-wildlife conflict in districts like Chittoor and Parvathipuram Manyam.

The project aims to protect border villages, safeguard crops, livestock, and human lives while ensuring wildlife conservation. Under the initiative, 100 GPS-enabled vehicles, including 93 Rapid Response vehicles and 7 Wildlife Ambulances, have been deployed. Four Wildlife Rescue and Treatment Centres are also being established.

Compensation for wildlife attack victims has been enhanced to Rs. 10 lakhs ex-gratia for deaths and Rs. 2 lakhs for the injured. AI-based early warning systems will also be implemented in vulnerable villages.

The Deputy CM stated that the goal of HANUMAN is to turn human-wildlife conflict into responsible coexistence.

The Central Government has also enhanced the ex-gratia in December 2023 under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes 'Development of Wildlife Habitats' and 'Project Tiger and Elephant', from Rs. 5 lakhs to Rs. 10 lakhs in case of deaths due to wild animal attacks.

According to the Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh's written reply in the Lok Sabha number of human deaths caused by elephants in Andhra Pradesh is 21 from 2019 to 2023.

In 2022, the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, was amended, which rationalised listings of wild animals in Schedules I and II appended to the Act and the Ministry has also issued guidelines to States and UTs on managing human-wildlife conflict, including damage to crops. The guidelines also advise States and UTs to consider utilising the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, to deal with situations arising out of human wildlife conflict, such as rescue and relief operations, providing ex-gratia relief, management of law and order situation.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Naming it Project HANUMAN is clever and culturally resonant. It sends a message of protection and strength. The focus on AI-based early warnings is forward-thinking. Hope they involve local communities in the implementation for it to be truly successful.
A
Aman W
While the project sounds good on paper, I'm skeptical. We've seen many such launches with big promises. The key is sustained funding and political will beyond the news cycle. Also, 21 deaths in 5 years is 21 too many. The focus must be on prevention, not just compensation.
P
Priyanka N
Wildlife ambulances and rescue centres are excellent ideas! Often, injured animals cause more conflict out of fear and pain. Treating them and relocating them safely is crucial for coexistence. Kudos for thinking of both humans and animals. 🐘
D
David E
Interesting to see the central and state schemes aligning on compensation amounts. The guidelines to use the Disaster Management Act provisions show they are treating this with the seriousness it deserves. Hope other states with similar issues, like Odisha or Assam, take note.
K
Karthik V
The rapid response vehicles need to be truly rapid. In remote villages, by the time officials arrive, the damage is done. They should be stationed locally with trained personnel from the villages themselves. Jai Hanuman! 🚙

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