NILGIRIS: As part of mitigating human-wildlife conflict, a state-of-the-art Command-and-Control Centre has been established at Genepool Garden in the Nadugani forest range in the Gudalur forest division.
The centre, constructed at a cost of Rs 6 crore, was inaugurated on Saturday by Nilgiris MP A Raja in the presence of Supriya Sahu Additional Chief Secretary of Environment, Climate Change, and Forests, and other senior forest department officials, and Nilgiris district collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru.
Thirty-four AI-enabled cameras and 12 highly advanced AI-based monitoring systems have been set up at 46 locations in the human-wildlife conflict hotspots in the forest division as part of the modernisation of the Tamil Nadu Forest Force.
Wildlife movement across these critical points will be monitored round the clock, enabling the system to generate real-time alerts on animal presence and potential conflict situations. These alerts are transmitted instantly to field staff through the Command-and-Control Centre and to the public via 24 alert poles fitted with speakers near the human habitations as well as by SMS notifications.
Raja, later addressing the media, claimed that it is the first-of-its-kind initiative in the state forests. A similar facility at Madukkarai is for monitoring only along the railway track.
The cameras can detect the elephants as well as tigers even when 10 percent of their body parts are detected.
Supriya Sahu said that the forest department and the people will get alerts round the clock.
"Such innovative technologies aim to reduce the increasing human-animal conflict. The entire AI cameras fixed on the tower can cover up to 50 to 60 km in the forest division," she said.
Gudalur DFO N Venkatesh Prabhu said, "This integrated technology platform is expected to significantly reduce response time and enhance the safety of both communities and wildlife.
The MP has also launched a toll-free helpline number, 1800-425-4535, to facilitate public reporting and assistance related to human-wildlife conflict and forest protection in the Gudalur Forest Division.
DFO said, "The wireless communication network in the division has been fully upgraded to ensure seamless connectivity even in remote areas. Under the modernisation initiative, two advanced drones with thermal imaging capabilities have been procured for monitoring elephant movement and supporting elephant guiding operations. Moreover, three radio collars have also been acquired for scientific tracking of elephants, strengthening long-term management strategies.
A senior forest official said that the launch of the Command-and-Control Centre marked a significant milestone in the state's effort to adopt technology-driven, proactive, and community-oriented approaches to human-wildlife conflict management.
"The state government and the forest department reaffirm their commitment to continuously enhance and expand these measures to ensure the safety and well being of the public while safeguarding the state's rich wildlife heritage," the senior official added.
