Source: DTE
Subject: Environment
Context: The Government of Andhra Pradesh launched Project HANUMAN on World Wildlife Day 2026 to address the rising human–wildlife conflict in the state.
About Project HANUMAN:
What it is?
- Project HANUMAN stands for Healing and Nurturing Units for Monitoring, Aid and Nursing of Wildlife.
- It is a state-level wildlife protection and conflict mitigation initiative aimed at rescuing, treating, rehabilitating, and monitoring wildlife while protecting communities near forests.
State: Andhra Pradesh
Aim:
- To reduce human–wildlife conflict and ensure coexistence between local communities and wildlife.
- To improve rapid response, wildlife rescue operations, and scientific monitoring of animal movement.
Key Features:
- Rapid Response Infrastructure – Deployment of 100 vehicles (93 rapid response units and 7 wildlife ambulances) for quick rescue and medical aid.
- Wildlife Rescue Centres – Establishment of four rescue and treatment centres in Visakhapatnam, Rajamahendravaram, Tirupati, and Birlut.
- Village-level Volunteer Teams – Creation of ‘Vajra’ (Wildlife Rakshak) teams to handle snake rescues and minor wildlife incidents in villages.
- AI-based Monitoring – Use of Artificial Intelligence systems to track wildlife movement and provide early warnings when animals approach human settlements.
- HANUMAN Digital App – A digital platform for wildlife monitoring, reporting conflicts, and coordination with authorities.
- Compensation Support – Increase in compensation for wildlife attacks: ₹10 lakh for death and ₹2 lakh for injuries, with livestock compensation based on market value.
- Use of Kumki Elephants – Deployment of trained elephants to manage and drive away wild elephant herds in conflict-prone districts.
- Inter-departmental Coordination – Collaboration between forest, police, agriculture, revenue, horticulture, and Panchayati Raj departments.
Significance
- Human safety: Protects communities living near forests from wildlife attacks.
- Wildlife conservation: Ensures safe rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation of injured animals.
