Placed strategically near Maruthamalai, Ponnuthu Amman temple in Thadagam, and Ulagambikai Amman temple in Madukkarai, these tower-mounted cameras boast advanced features such as thermal imaging and optical visuals
The Forest Department in the Coimbatore region has deployed artificial intelligence-powered surveillance cameras in three key locations. These cameras serve a dual purpose: not only do they monitor the movement of wild animals towards human settlements, but they also aim to prevent unauthorised entry into the forest areas.
Placed strategically near Maruthamalai, Ponnuthu Amman temple in Thadagam, and Ulagambikai Amman temple in Madukkarai, these tower-mounted cameras boast advanced features such as thermal imaging and optical visuals. Covering a range of approximately one kilometer with a 360-degree rotation capability, they offer extensive surveillance capabilities.
District Forest Officer N. Jayaraj highlighted that these cameras have been operational for around a month, with ongoing efforts to refine the early warning system. “These cameras provide thermal imaging and optical visuals. They can cover a distance of about one km and can be rotated 360 degrees,” he said. Currently, their focus lies on monitoring specific points where forests meet human habitats to deter wild animals, particularly elephants, from straying into villages.
“For instance, the camera installed near Maruthamalai will detect movement of elephants towards IOB Colony, which is often witnessing movement of wild elephants,” said Mr. Jayaraj. Similarly, the installation in the Madukkarai range oversees a 300-meter radius where wild animal activities are common.
“All feeds from these cameras come to the new command centre that has been established on the first floor of the DFO’s office. A tower has also been installed to receive signals. The video feeds are being checked by the staff and appropriate instructions are given to the field staff,” Mr. Jayaraj added.
Funded through the Tamil Nadu Innovation Initiatives (TANII), this project not only focuses on wildlife surveillance but also incorporates measures to detect human intrusion into forest areas. “In addition to the surveillance of wild animals, technicians are now programming the system to generate alerts when humans trespass into the forest. This will help the department curb wildlife offences, including poaching,” Mr. Jayaraj emphasised.
