NILGIRIS SETS UP AI-BASED COMMAND CENTRE TO TACKLE HUMAN–ELEPHANT CONFLICT

NEWS  – Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris district, a major hotspot for human–elephant conflict, has launched a dedicated AI-enabled Command and Control Centre in the Gudalur Forest Division to prevent human casualties, crop loss, and property damage.

HIGHLIGHTS

Background

• Nilgiris frequently reports:
  • Human deaths
  • Elephant fatalities
  • Railway track collisions
  • Crop raids and property destruction
• Conventional mitigation (trenches, watchtowers, patrolling) had limited success

AI Early Warning System: Key Features

• Location: Naduvattam Range, Gudalur Division
• Technology Deployment
  • 46 AI-enabled cameras
    • 34 Infrared AI cameras
    • Remaining thermal AI cameras
  • Sites selected using 10 years of elephant movement data
• Real-Time Alerts
  • When elephants are detected:
    • Alerts sent to Command Centre
    • 24 speaker systems warn nearby settlements
    • SMS alerts to registered local residents
• Integration
  • Connected to Pothanur–Palakkad railway warning network
  • Supports railway safety alerts

Achievements So Far

• Earlier pilot in Coimbatore (Madukkarai) proved successful
• Since November 2023:
  • Zero elephant deaths on monitored railway stretch
  • ~6,000 safe elephant crossings in past two years
• Improves response time for forest staff and villagers

Significance

• Reduces human casualties
• Prevents elephant deaths
• Protects livelihoods by preventing crop and property loss
• Builds human–wildlife coexistence model
• Demonstrates technology-enabled conservation

Way Forward / Challenges

• Need expansion to other conflict hotspots
• Maintenance of AI systems and continuity funding
• Community participation crucial
• Policy scaling to national wildlife corridors