Andhra Pradesh forms panel to probe wildlife deaths, boost tiger protection
Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM orders comprehensive wildlife death study, prioritising tiger protection, with a high-level committee formed under forest advisor.
The Andhra Pradesh government has initiated a comprehensive review of wildlife deaths across the state, with a specific focus on tiger conservation. Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Environment and Forests K. Pawan Kalyan has constituted a high-level committee to carry out the study and propose remedial measures.
The committee will be chaired by Forest Department Advisor P. Mallikarjuna Rao, with Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Rahul Pandey serving as member-convener. The panel has been tasked with examining the management of animal habitats and the effectiveness of existing protection measures.
Officials said the committee will investigate factors behind animal deaths, assess habitat conditions, and review anti-poaching efforts. It will also look into monitoring systems, forest fire control, and the availability of water sources within wildlife areas.
A key part of the mandate is to study ongoing conservation programmes for tigers, leopards, elephants, and other species to identify ground-level challenges and suggest preventive strategies. The Deputy CM has also asked the panel to explore ways to reduce human-wildlife conflicts and assess the impact of conservation work at the grassroots.
Additionally, the committee will prepare a special report on habitat development, expanding natural food sources, protecting wildlife corridors, and encouraging local community participation in conservation efforts.