The introduction of drones greatly improved real-time aviation monitoring, allowing forest officials to identify fire outbreaks in areas that were otherwise difficult to access. These drones act as the frontline of surveillance, help locate areas that are prone to occur and coordinate rapid responses from ground teams.
To promote a significant promotion of fire protection strategies, it has been installed in fragile forest areas, including ecologically sensitive similar forests. These smart cameras automatically detect smoke and flames, send real-time alerts to forest personnel and ensure faster interventions to limit ecological damage.
“Thanks to the unremitting efforts of forest workers and technical interventions, 99% of the reported fires are under control,” said Kartik V, forest conservationist. Our team works 24/7 under extremely challenging conditions. ”
Authorities are also looking for the sky for relief as weather forecasts indicate the possibility of rainfall in the coming days. Rain can help put out lingering fires and bring much-needed breathing to foresters who have been on high alert for weeks.
However, firefighting efforts came at a price. A forest worker suffered severe burns in the Kurmanda area in a tragic incident at the Rourkela Forest Division. Strong winds reportedly exacerbated the fire and engulfed the hillside, trapping workers during the containment action. He is currently undergoing treatment.
The incident highlights the risks faced by frontline forest workers. In response, the Ministry of Forests reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of its personnel while protecting the state’s forests through a combination of skilled human resources and advanced technology.
Experts say the Odisha government’s active adoption of drone and artificial intelligence surveillance technologies reflects how the country can address the increasing shift in climate-induced disasters, especially in the face of increasing threats of wildfires.
