NHAI Builds Indias First Wildlife Corridor On Delhi Mumbai Expressway
Andhra Pradesh’s wildlife sanctuaries are set for major upgrades, as the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has proposed a series of reforms to enhance ecological management across the state’s protected areas. In its latest Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) 2020–2025, the WII has highlighted the need for scientifically informed, infrastructure-based, and community-driven strategies to overcome persistent conservation challenges.
The MEE assessment covered seven sanctuaries, each with unique ecological profiles and management needs. Despite ongoing efforts by the state’s Forest Department and frontline personnel, many sanctuaries continue to face issues such as outdated management plans, limited community engagement, staff shortages, and insufficient ecological monitoring. The WII’s review stresses that without addressing these systemic issues, the long-term sustainability of Andhra Pradesh’s protected ecosystems remains at risk.
Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, which showed the most improvement in the MEE scores, still requires urgent attention. The report calls for expanding nest protection measures for the Indian Courser and controlling human-wildlife conflicts related to the growing blackbuck population. It recommends implementing crop protection initiatives and timely compensation schemes for farmers. The sanctuary would also benefit from increased community awareness programmes and eco-development initiatives.
Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary also received specific recommendations, including initiating a captive breeding programme and using modern patrolling tools to manage threats effectively. Although fire and grazing have been largely controlled through vigilant patrolling, the report notes a lack of species-specific monitoring and long-term ecological studies that could provide vital data for conservation planning.
Meanwhile, Nellapattu Bird Sanctuary, known for its rich avian diversity, was acknowledged for improved management efforts. However, water regulation issues remain a concern. The WII has urged restoration of feeder channels to ensure consistent water supply and has proposed modernising surveillance infrastructure and improving visitor facilities to enhance both conservation outcomes and eco-tourism potential.
The WII’s recommendations mark a critical juncture for Andhra Pradesh’s conservation roadmap. If implemented effectively, these reforms could ensure that the state’s sanctuaries not only preserve biodiversity but also serve as models of sustainable and inclusive wildlife management.
