A herd of 28 elephants, including calves, were saved from a potential tragedy on the Bandhamunda-Barsuan railway track in Rourkela. Thanks to an artificial intelligence (AI)-based thermal camera, the movement of the elephants was detected, and alerts were sent to both the forest department and the railways. The railways acted quickly by delaying a goods train for 30 minutes to allow the elephants to cross the track safely. This incident highlights the importance of technology in preventing wildlife accidents.
Officials praised the AI camera for its quick detection of the elephants, which allowed for timely intervention. The elephants, known to shuttle between different forest reserves, were able to cross over to the other side of the railway track without any harm. This successful outcome demonstrates the effectiveness of technology in protecting wildlife and reducing incidents of train collisions with elephants.
In the past decade, 36 elephants have lost their lives due to train accidents. The implementation of technology, such as AI-based thermal cameras, is expected to help prevent such tragic incidents in the future. Plans are in place to install more sophisticated cameras at strategic locations to enhance wildlife protection efforts.
Prem Kumar Jha, principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), emphasized the importance of technology in wildlife conservation. He mentioned the successful use of AI cameras in other reserves, like Similipal Tiger Reserve, in detecting poachers. The initiative to install advanced cameras at various locations is a positive step towards safeguarding wildlife and preventing further casualties.
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