AI Surveillance and Drones Deployed as Odisha Steps Up Forest Fire Preparedness

Bhubaneswar: With the forest fire season approaching, the Odisha Forest Department has intensified its preparedness measures, turning to advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled cameras and drones to strengthen early detection and ensure quicker response to wildfire incidents across the State.

Briefing the media at Aranya Bhawan on Wednesday, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF) Dr K Murugesan said forest fire management remains a critical priority for the department, given the recurring threat to biodiversity, wildlife habitats and forest-dependent livelihoods. He said the department is following a multi-layered strategy that integrates technology, strengthened field deployment and active community participation.

Sharing data from the previous year, Conservator of Forests (Protection and Sustainable Management) Karthik V said Odisha had recorded 29,709 forest fire incidents, mainly triggered by prolonged dry spells, accumulation of dry biomass and human negligence. He noted that timely alerts from satellite-based early warning systems, combined with swift ground-level action, helped contain nearly 99.7 per cent of the incidents, substantially reducing damage.

Based on lessons learned, the Forest Department has drawn up district-wise action plans for the current season. As part of preventive efforts, fire lines extending over 20,461 km have been created in fire-prone forest stretches to restrict the spread of flames.

Technology-driven monitoring has been given special focus this year. AI-enabled surveillance cameras and drones are being deployed to detect fires at an early stage, enabling rapid mobilisation of response teams. Operational capacity has also been enhanced with the deployment of 334 dedicated forest protection teams at range and beat levels, supported by over 5,000 leaf blowers and other firefighting equipment.

To strengthen frontline preparedness, more than 631 training programmes are being conducted for forest personnel. Additionally, about 200 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel have been imparted specialised training in forest fire prevention and management to assist during peak fire periods.

Stressing the importance of public cooperation, forest officials said awareness drives are being conducted in nearly 336 villages through Forest Protection Committees and Eco-Development Committees. The department appealed to communities living near forest areas to avoid negligence-related activities that often lead to fires, underlining that long-term forest protection depends on collective responsibility.