‘Project Hanuman’ to prevent human-wildlife conflicts: Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan

To tackle the growing problem of human-elephant conflicts and to strengthen wildlife conservation using advanced technology, the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department has developed an initiative called Project Hanuman. Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Forest and Environment Pawan Kalyan reviewed the project details in a meeting with senior officials on Monday.

The project, which covers 11 key components, was presented to him through a PowerPoint presentation. Stressing the need for effective implementation, Pawan Kalyan directed officials to set clear timelines for each activity. He also instructed them to launch a new mobile app by March 3 to provide real-time updates on the movement of wild animals to nearby communities. A follow-up review meeting has been scheduled for the third week of November to assess progress.

The Deputy CM emphasized the importance of helping farmers shift from crops that attract elephants to alternative crops, especially in Chittoor district, where mango orchards are often damaged by elephant herds. He suggested close coordination among the Panchayati Raj, Agriculture, and Horticulture departments to support farmers in this transition.

To ensure that farmers do not lose their income, he advised promoting beekeeping and eco-tourism as alternative livelihood options. Pawan Kalyan also called for replacing the existing Gaja Praja app with a more advanced version capable of tracking wildlife movement more accurately. He instructed officials to implement the radio collar tracking system for elephants in key conflict-prone areas and to maintain data on isolated elephants.

Another major component of Project Hanuman is the launch of a “Sarpa Mitra” (Snake Friend) volunteer network. Similar to urban rescue initiatives, trained volunteers will operate in rural areas to safely capture and relocate snakes that enter human settlements. One volunteer will be selected and trained in each village, and the Forest Department will provide incentives to encourage participation.

During his visit to Palamaner, Pawan Kalyan interacted with local officials, public representatives, and members of various political parties including Jana Sena, TDP, and BJP. He also met citizens, received petitions, and heard their grievances as part of his outreach program.