Aranyaramam To Become Nerve Centre for AP Forest Research, Training

 Vijayawada: Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Friday laid the foundation for Aranyaramam, a state-of-the-art forest and environment department research and training complex in Brahmanandapuram near AIIMS, Mangalagiri.

The estimated cost of this project is Rs 24 crore.

Accompanied by ministers Nadendla Manohar and Kandula Durgesh, the deputy CM performed the bhoomi puja. The facility is envisaged as a common coordination and administrative centre for all major forest, environmental research, training and conservation activities in the state.

Officials said Aranyaramam will serve as the headquarters for forest research and capacity-building programmes while functioning as the command centre for HANUMAN initiatives and the monitoring hub for the AP Great Green Wall project. The centre will also coordinate programmes related to tiger conservation, prevention of forest fires, ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, eco-tourism development and digital environmental governance.

HANUMAN translates to ‘Healing And Nurturing Units for Monitoring, Aid and Nursing of Wildlife.

The facility is expected to promote scientific research using advanced technologies aimed at strengthening environmental protection and sustainable forest management. It will also provide a centralised platform to monitor and supervise field-level operations undertaken by the forest department across the state.

Following the foundation ceremony, Pawan Kalyan reviewed the architectural model of the proposed building and examined details of the project site. He also showed up at a photo exhibition showcasing wildlife rescue operations conducted under the HANUMAN foundation to mitigate human-animal conflict.

Forest officials informed him that the department had carried out 185 wildlife rescue operations in 2024 and successfully completed 36 programmes aimed at preventing human-wildlife conflicts.

Kalyan, who handles the forests, environment and wildlife, lauded the dedication and commitment of field personnel involved in the conservation efforts.

Several senior officials including special chief secretary Kantilal Dande, PCCF Chalapathi Rao and Guntur collector Saikanth Varma attended the event.