Introduction
The Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Maharashtra has taken a monumental step towards conservation with the installation of India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based forest fire detection system. Covering an expansive area of over 350 square kilometers, this cutting-edge technology heralds a new era in forest management and wildlife protection.
Innovative Approach
Prabhu Nath Shukla, Deputy Director of Pench, hailed this initiative as groundbreaking, emphasizing its uniqueness among India’s tiger reserves. “None of the country’s tiger reserves is using AI-based technology to detect forest fires,” he noted, highlighting PTR’s innovative approach.
Um-grauemeio System: The Technology Behind the Innovation
At the core of this pioneering project lies the Um-grauemeio forest fire early warning detection system, renowned for its efficacy in combating wildfires in the Amazon rainforest. The AI-powered platform, named Pantera, seamlessly integrates camera feeds and satellite-based data to provide real-time alerts within a remarkable three-minute window upon detecting forest fires.
High-Resolution Camera and Satellite Integration
A key component of the system is a high-resolution camera with an impressive 15-kilometer visual range strategically positioned to surveil the vast expanse of the tiger reserve. Shukla highlighted the integration of 15 commercial satellite services, a groundbreaking feature that enhances the system’s capabilities in forest fire management.
Synergy for Enhanced Efficacy
The fusion of ground-based camera surveillance with satellite data amplifies the system’s effectiveness by providing comprehensive coverage and timely alerts. This synergy between on-the-ground monitoring and space-based technology promises to revolutionize forest fire detection and response, ensuring swift intervention to protect the invaluable biodiversity of Pench Tiger Reserve.
