Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Environment and Forests K. Pawan Kalyan released the Annual Report on the Status of Tigers, Prey, and Other Mammals – 2024 in the Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) on the occasion of International Day of Forests on Friday. He also unveiled the official logo of Nagaravanams, a pioneering initiative of the Forest Department aimed at creating urban green spaces that mimic natural forests. According to an official note, the report highlighted the remarkable growth in the tiger population to 76 individuals (excluding cubs) and it demonstrated the success of enhanced protection, scientific monitoring, and dedicated conservation strategies. The findings emphasised the strong prey base, improved habitat connectivity, and effective anti-poaching efforts. However, it was stated that challenges such as habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict, and climate change called for sustained conservation measures. It had been targeted to increase the State’s green cover to 50%, strengthen the tiger corridors, restore degraded habitats, and enhance community participation in conservation. The press release said 50 Nagaravanams were established across the State and 11 more sanctioned for the year 2024-25. Twelve additional proposals were under consideration. A Nagaravanam was also being developed in Pithapuram to further expand the green initiative.