Chennai recently launched an AI-driven command center to manage human-wildlife conflicts, particularly post the success of a similar initiative in Madukkarai, Coimbatore. This new center aims to enhance safety for both elephants and local communities.
Supriya Sahu, the additional chief secretary of the environment department, highlighted that injuries and deaths among elephants on railway tracks have significantly decreased in Madukkarai since implementing AI technology. “In the last two years, we’ve had zero elephant deaths on railways,” she stated, showcasing the potential of tech in wildlife management.
The AI system, initiated in February 2024, consists of multiple thermal cameras and towers that can detect elephant movement within 150 feet of railway tracks. The system is not limited to just elephants; it can also identify other animals, allowing for proactive measures to avoid accidents.
Gudalur’s unique landscape is both beautiful and tricky. It features a mix of forests and agriculture, creating a backdrop for human-elephant interactions. Environmental changes have worsened these conflicts, leading to injuries and property damage. Traditional methods to prevent these interactions, like trenches, have been only marginally effective, highlighting a need for innovative solutions.
The newly established AI Command and Control Center, which cost ₹6 crore, serves as a central hub for real-time monitoring and response. It aims to cover 46 known conflict areas in the Gudalur Forest Division. Of these, 34 areas are already equipped with AI surveillance, while 12 have advanced monitoring systems that provide complete coverage.
Community engagement is a key part of this initiative. The center will not only send alerts about animal movements to local residents but also encourage them to report sightings through a dedicated helpline. Additionally, the introduction of drones for nighttime surveillance adds another layer of safety. Equipped with thermal imaging, these drones will help monitor areas obscured by darkness.
This initiative may become a model for similar landscapes across Tamil Nadu, demonstrating how technology can bridge gaps between wildlife conservation and community safety. By collaborating with local populations, the program aims to create a sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife.
In a landscape where traditional prevention strategies have faltered, the AI Command Center offers hope. It blends technology, science, and community involvement to foster a safer environment for both people and animals alike.
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Chennai,AI-based alerts,human-wildlife conflict management,elephant deaths,Tamil Nadu government
