HEDALINE- AI CAMERA ALERTS HELP IN SAVING SIMILIPAL FROM FOREST FIRES THIS YEAR. DO YOU THINK THIS SHOLD BE IMPLEMENTED IN ALL FOREST AREA ACROSS ODISHA?
Forest fires in Similipal National Park have dwindled this summer due to AI-generated alerts and swift forest official response. PCCF (Wildlife) Susanta Nanda reported only 209 fire points in April, the lowest in five years, attributing the decrease to six AI systems with 360-degree surveillance cameras installed in park watchtowers. Forest officials, ODRAF, and local units collaborated effectively, deploying seven ODRAF teams in each forest division. Plans to expand AI cameras to Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary and forests in Rayagada and Koraput aim to enhance early fire detection. Despite challenges, core and buffer areas remain unscathed, with fires contained to fringe areas near villages. PCCF Nanda assures wildlife safety, highlighting forest personnel and ODRAF teams’ dedication in combating forest fires.
