The Government of Andhra Pradesh launched Project HANUMAN (Healing and Nurturing Units for Monitoring, Aid and Nurturing) on World Wildlife Day 2026 (3 March) to tackle the growing problem of human–wildlife conflict in the state. The initiative aims to improve wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, monitoring, and conflict mitigation, while ensuring the safety of communities living near forests.
About Project HANUMAN
| Aspect | Details |
| Project Name | HANUMAN |
| Full Form | Healing and Nurturing Units for Monitoring, Aid and Nurturing |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| Launch Date | 3 March 2026 |
| Occasion | World Wildlife Day |
| Objective | Reduce human–wildlife conflict and ensure coexistence |
The project focuses on scientific monitoring, rapid response systems, and community participation.
Aim of the Project
The initiative aims to:
- Reduce human–wildlife conflict incidents
- Protect communities near forests
- Improve wildlife rescue and treatment
- Monitor wildlife movement using technology
- Promote peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Key Features of Project HANUMAN
1. Rapid Response Infrastructure
The project introduces 100 GPS-enabled vehicles to respond quickly to wildlife incidents.
| Vehicle Type | Number |
| Rapid response vehicles | 93 |
| Wildlife ambulances | 7 |
These vehicles will be used for:
- wildlife rescue
- emergency medical aid
- quick field response.
2. Wildlife Rescue and Treatment Centres
Four specialised rescue and treatment centres will be established in:
Location: Rajamahendravaram, Birlut, Visakhapatnam, Tirupati
These centres will focus on:
- treatment of injured wildlife
- rehabilitation
- safe relocation of animals.
3. Village-Level Volunteer Teams
Community participation will be encouraged through ‘Vajra’ (Wildlife Rakshak) teams.
Responsibilities
- snake rescue operations
- handling minor wildlife incidents
- assisting forest officials.
These teams strengthen local-level conflict management.
4. AI-Based Wildlife Monitoring
The project will use Artificial Intelligence systems to track wildlife movement.
Functions
- monitor animals near forest boundaries
- generate early warnings when animals approach villages
- prevent conflict before it occurs.
5. HANUMAN Digital App
A dedicated HANUMAN mobile application has been developed for:
- reporting wildlife sightings or conflicts
- coordinating rescue operations
- monitoring wildlife movement.
The app will assist forest officials and field staff in responding efficiently.
6. Compensation Support
Compensation for wildlife-related damages has been increased.
| Incident | Compensation |
| Death due to wildlife attack | ₹10 lakh |
| Injury due to wildlife attack | ₹2 lakh |
| Livestock loss | Compensation based on market value |
This aims to provide financial relief to affected communities.
7. Use of Kumki Elephants
The project will deploy Kumki Elephant.
Purpose
- manage wild elephant herds
- drive elephants away from villages
- reduce conflict in elephant-prone districts.
Kumki elephants are trained captive elephants used to control wild herds.
8. Inter-Departmental Coordination
The initiative involves cooperation between several departments. These include: Forest Department, Police Department, Horticulture Department, Revenue Department, Agriculture Department, Panchayati Raj Institutions. This ensures a holistic approach to wildlife conflict management.
9. Technology Integration
Project HANUMAN emphasises technology-driven conservation.
Digital Tools
- AI-based wildlife monitoring systems
- GPS-enabled rescue vehicles
- HANUMAN mobile application
- digital reporting and monitoring platforms.
These technologies will improve early warning systems and data-driven decision making.
Significance of the Project
Human Safety
- Protects people living near forest areas
- reduces wildlife attack incidents.
Wildlife Conservation
- improves rescue and rehabilitation of injured animals
- promotes sustainable coexistence.
Governance
- integrates technology and community participation in conservation.
Government Initiatives to Address Human–Wildlife Conflict
Central Government Measures
The Government of India has increased ex-gratia compensation for wildlife attack victims under centrally sponsored schemes.
| Scheme | Compensation |
| Development of Wildlife Habitats | ₹10 lakh in case of death |
| Project Tiger & Project Elephant | Enhanced compensation support |
The compensation for death due to wild animal attacks was increased from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh in December 2023.
Legal Framework
Wildlife Protection Law
The Wild Life Protection Act 1972 governs wildlife conservation in India.
2022 Amendment
- Rationalised species classification under Schedules I and II
- strengthened conservation provisions.
Additional Guidelines
The government has also issued guidelines to states for managing human–wildlife conflict. These include:
- crop damage management
- rescue operations
- compensation mechanisms.
States may also use provisions under the Disaster Management Act 2005 for emergency response in wildlife conflict situations.