Chhattisgarh Government’s Automated Forest Fire Alert System is now providing information about forest fire to the authorities in just 5 to 10 minutes. Know how AI, satellite and GIS technology is playing an important role in forest conservation, wildlife protection and saving the environment.
Forest fires cause serious damage not only to trees but also to wildlife, biodiversity and the environment. In such a situation, the Chhattisgarh government has taken the help of modern technology to make forest conservation more effective. The state’s Automated Forest Fire Alert System is now rapidly identifying forest fire incidents and sending information to authorities within minutes. This is helping in controlling the fire by taking timely action.
Forests are monitored through satellite and AI technology
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, the Forest and Climate Change Department has adopted modern technologies for the protection of forests. According to the department, this system works with the help of satellite based surveillance and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Scientific analysis is done when unusual changes in temperature are identified in forests. As soon as the fire is confirmed, an alert is immediately sent to the concerned forest division, range and beat level officials through SMS and e-mail, so that relief and control operations can start rapidly.
Now information reaches in 5 to 10 minutes
Earlier, it used to take one to two hours for information about forest fire to reach the concerned authorities. During this period the fire often spread over a large area. After the implementation of the new automated system, the entire process is now completed in just 5 to 10 minutes. Apart from this, the Forest Department has linked this system to GIS based real time dashboard. Officials can continuously monitor the forest fire and as soon as the information is received, the field staff reaches the spot and takes action to extinguish the fire. Online reports of the entire process are also recorded, which makes it easier to make future strategies.
Emphasis on public participation along with technology
The Forest and Climate Change Department says that not only technology but also people’s participation is necessary for forest conservation. Every year before the forest fire season, fire line construction, public awareness campaigns, training and mock drills are conducted to reduce the incidence of fire.
According to Forest and Climate Change Minister Kedar Kashyap, protection of the state’s forest wealth, wildlife and environment through modern technology and better management is the priority of the government. He believes that this model of Chhattisgarh can become a useful example for other states in future. Due to new technology and instant information system, significant changes are being seen in the direction of forest conservation in Chhattisgarh. This is making it possible to control forest fires in time and is giving new strength to the protection of natural resources.