10th December 2024: The Forest Department of Rourkela has introduced an innovative pilot project using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to safeguard elephants from train accidents. The project involves installing four solar-powered towers equipped with 360-degree cameras that can detect elephants within a 500-meter radius of railway tracks. If elephants approach, the system sends real-time alerts to a control room, enabling the team to take prompt action.
The AI-driven system, costing ₹2.9 crore, is set up at four key locations: Chandiposh, Mahipani, Dolakudar, and Sonakhan. The technology has already shown its effectiveness, preventing a potential mishap by saving two adult elephants and three calves at Dolakudar on its first day of operation.
Jasobanta Sethi, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Rourkela, emphasized that this technology not only helps protect elephants from deadly train accidents but also assists in preventing forest fires and poaching activities. This pilot initiative represents a major step in wildlife conservation, ensuring both elephant and human safety in critical wildlife areas.
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