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Odisha Deploys AI Cameras & Drones to Combat Forest Fires with 99.7% Efficiency

The Odisha Forest Department has integrated AI-enabled cameras and drones into its fire management strategy to enable early detection and rapid intervention. This technological upgrade builds on last year's success, where satellite alerts and field staff achieved a 99.7% response efficiency against nearly 30,000 fire sites. The department has prepared extensive fire lines, deployed hundreds of equipped protection squads, and conducted community awareness programs. Officials are urging public cooperation to prevent fires, which are often caused by human negligence in dry forest conditions.

Key Points: Odisha Uses AI & Drones for Forest Fire Prevention

  • AI cameras & drones for early detection
  • 99.7% response efficiency last season
  • Over 20,461 km of fire lines created
  • 334 dedicated fire protection squads deployed
2 min read

Odisha enhances forest fire preparedness with AI cameras and drones

Odisha enhances forest fire response with AI cameras, drones, and trained squads, achieving 99.7% efficiency in containing incidents.

"The early warning and response system has been further enhanced with the deployment of AI-enabled cameras and drones. - K. Murugesan"

Bhubaneswar, Feb 4

The Odisha Forest Department has introduced AI-enabled cameras and drones this year, enabling early detection and rapid intervention to prevent forest fires.

Speaking to media persons here, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF), K. Murugesan, on Wednesday, stated that timely detection through satellite-based fire alerts and swift action by field staff helped contain most of the incidents, achieving an impressive response efficiency of 99.7 per cent and significantly minimising damage.

According to last year's statistics, approximately 29,709 forest fire sites were identified in Odisha. These incidents were primarily caused by human negligence, combined with dry grass and accumulated fallen leaves in the forests.

He further added that, drawing from last year's experience, the Forest Department has strengthened its preparedness for the current fire season. He added that District Action Plans have been formulated across all districts, and around 20,461 kilometres of fire lines have been created and maintained in vulnerable forest areas.

To bolster on-ground response, the department has deployed 334 dedicated fire protection squads at division, range, and beat levels. These teams have been equipped with essential fire-fighting tools, including nearly 5,000 fire lift blowers and safety kits.

"The early warning and response system has been further enhanced with the deployment of AI-enabled cameras and drones. Active involvement of Vana Suraksha Samitis, Eco-Development Committees, and local communities has also been ensured. Awareness programmes have already been conducted in 336 villages, while over 631 training programmes are planned for various field units. Additionally, around 200 NDRF personnel have received specialised training in forest fire prevention and control," Murugesan said.

Appealing to the public, Murugesan urged people, especially those living in and around forest areas, not to light fires in forests or forest fringes.

He warned that negligent use of fire can cause severe and irreversible damage to forests and wildlife, emphasising that public cooperation is crucial to ensure a safe and fire-free forest season.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the tech is impressive, the article says most fires are from human negligence. Awareness in villages is key. Glad they are doing training programmes. We need to protect our forests for future generations.
R
Rohit P
99.7% efficiency sounds too good to be true? I hope the data is accurate and not just for show. The initiative is good, but transparency in reporting is also important.
S
Sarah B
Involving local communities and Vana Suraksha Samitis is a smart move. They know the forest best. Technology + local knowledge is a winning combination for conservation.
V
Vikram M
Training NDRF personnel is a great step. Forest fires can get out of hand quickly, and we need professional disaster response teams ready. Hope other states with forest cover take note.
K
Kavya N
People need to be more responsible. Throwing a beedi or doing chulah work near dry leaves can cause massive damage. The appeal from the officer is important. Jai Hind!

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