Odisha to Implement AI-Based Camera Towers to Address Man-Animal Conflict
In a significant move to tackle the escalating human-wildlife conflict in Odisha, the state government is set to introduce AI-integrated camera towers in protected areas. The initiative aims to track the movement of flagship species like tigers, leopards, and elephants, while also monitoring human intrusion in real-time to prevent potential conflicts.
The AI technology will be piloted in wildlife divisions in Angul, Dhenkanal, Rourkela, and Chandaka. Advanced thermal cameras combined with AI and autonomous surveillance systems will be strategically placed on tall towers within forest areas to provide crucial real-time data on wildlife activities, especially elephant movements.
These AI algorithms have been fine-tuned to distinguish between different moving objects, such as elephants and humans, enabling automatic alerts to be sent to the control room. This timely information will empower forest teams to intervene and prevent wildlife from straying into human settlements, ultimately reducing conflicts and ensuring the safety of both humans and animals. Moreover, any unusual human activities within the forests can also be swiftly identified and monitored.
Addressing concerns about the height of the towers, particularly in Chandaka wildlife division, the state forest department has sought permission from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation for project installations. Collaborations with agencies specializing in such devices are also underway to facilitate the implementation process efficiently.
Odisha’s proactive approach to utilizing AI technology in addressing human-wildlife conflicts is commendable, considering the state’s high incidence of such interactions. With a staggering number of elephant deaths and human casualties reported in recent years, the timely deployment of AI-integrated camera towers holds promise for mitigating conflicts and safeguarding both wildlife and communities.
Furthermore, the forest department plans to expand the project to other regions after a successful trial in Similipal. By leveraging advanced surveillance capabilities, Odisha is taking a crucial step towards enhancing wildlife protection, minimizing conflicts, and promoting coexistence between humans and animals in the state.
