Telangana Rolls Out Rescue Fleet for Tiger Reserves

Hyderabad: The Telangana government has announced a series of measures to strengthen wildlife protection and tiger conservation, including the introduction of special truck mounted rescue vehicles to ensure rapid response during emergencies. A dedicated rehabilitation centre and prey augmentation facilities will also be set up for animals that cannot be released immediately into the wild.

To address challenges in the buffer zones of Kawal Tiger Reserve, officials were instructed to constitute a coordination committee. These decisions were taken at a meeting of the Tiger Conservation Foundation (TCF) Governing Council, which approved the annual plan of operation (APO) for 2026 27 for the Amrabad and Kawal Tiger Reserves.

The meeting, chaired by forest and environment minister Konda Surekha at Dr B.R. Ambedkar Secretariat, also discussed financial mobilisation. A proposal was placed to revise toll fees for vehicles passing through reserve areas, with ₹600 for outside vehicles and a concessional ₹300 for local vehicles, aimed at generating resources for conservation.

The minister directed the department to prepare a comprehensive action plan focusing on forest development, wildlife protection, biodiversity conservation, and the use of modern technology for monitoring tiger populations. She said special funds had been allocated for the salaries of forest watchers and maintenance of infrastructure in tiger reserves to strengthen forest security.

Konda Surekha emphasised transparency and efficiency in the functioning of the TCF. She said eco tourism and livelihood programmes involving tribal communities would be implemented through the nomination system, while large infrastructure works and procurement of high value equipment would continue through the tender process.

Highlighting the government’s focus on wildlife welfare, she said measures were being taken to strengthen rescue systems for animals injured due to poaching, road accidents, or other causes. She also directed officials to create nature based learning and recreational facilities for students visiting forest areas.

Authorities were instructed to establish special safety zones and install warning boards near waterfalls in Kumuram Bheem Asifabad district to prevent accidents