Amaravati, March 3 Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan launched the 'Hanuman' project on Tuesday to prevent human-wildlife conflict and protect lives, livestock, and forests across the state.
Addressing the inauguration at the Andhra Pradesh Special Police (APSP) sixth Battalion Parade Ground in Mangalagiri, he flagged off 100 rapid response and rescue vehicles, including ambulances for wildlife medical aid.
"The Hanuman project has been launched to prevent human-wildlife conflict and to safeguard lives, livestock, and forests across the state," he said.
India believes in "Vasudhaiva Kutumbam," which means the world is one family, he said, adding that ecological balance and wildlife conservation are vital for human survival.
The Deputy CM noted that rising incidents of crop damage, livestock loss, and threats to human safety prompted the government to introduce the Hanuman project—Healing and Nurturing Units for Monitoring, Aid, and Nursing of Wildlife.
Under the initiative, 93 rapid response vehicles, seven ambulances, 19 rescue teams, and four wildlife rescue and treatment centres have been established across the state.
Village-level Wildlife Protectors, known as Vajra teams, are being trained and equipped with rescue kits to address snake and animal-related incidents locally.
Kalyan said that Rs 4 crore in compensation was paid in over 2,100 cases during 2025-26, while ex gratia for wildlife attack deaths was increased from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.
He said that the elephant menace in Chittoor, Srikakulam, and Parvathipuram Manyam districts was addressed by deploying four trained Kumki elephants from Karnataka.
So far, eight operations have been successfully completed, ensuring crop and human safety in areas affected by wild elephants, he added.
Later, the Deputy CM launched the Hanuman Digital App, flagged off the vehicles, and visited exhibition galleries detailing rescue equipment and conservation efforts.
AI-based monitoring systems are also being introduced to track animal movement and issue early warnings, he added.