Rajasthan government has deployed a high-tech surveillance system at a cost of INR 50 Crore that enables 24-hour live monitoring of forests and protected areas.The surveillance system will especially concentrate on vulnerable species such as the big cats (lions, tigers, and cheetahs) in poaching-prone and other sensitive areas. This system will keep eye on these areas through control rooms at each location, which are then centrally connected to the main control room.
As part of the deployment, thermal-sensing cameras, image capturing, and video cameras will all used through a wireless connection to conduct effective surveillance of forest areas. The thermal cameras will help in monitoring night-time activities as poaching and other anti-wildlife activities are usually conducted after dark.
Raje Government’s Initiative to Protect Wildlife
This surveillance system, an initiative of the Planning and Information Technology & communication departments of the government (DoIT&C), in association with the state’s forest department, will also extend to Kota, Pali, and other areas of the state that are rich in natural forests. The state government is leaving no stone unturned to make Rajasthan digital in every sense of the term. Now, in an attempt to protect its wildlife and forests, which account for over 9% of the state’s geographical area and include biodiversity-rich national parks like Ranthambore and Sariska.
Wildlife reserves and national parks across the country, including Rajasthan, have been battling with poaching, infiltration, illegal mining, etc. As in all other sectors, technology can go a long way in curbing such activities and protecting our natural resources.
