Tamil Nadu has strengthened its technology-driven wildlife protection measures with the inauguration of a Drone Surveillance Unit at the Madukkarai railway track to prevent elephant deaths and human-wildlife conflict.
Minister for Forests and Khadi R. S. Rajakannappan on February 28 inaugurated the facility established under the Modernisation of Forest Force Scheme at a cost of ₹8.67 crore in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Corporation.
The initiative builds on the AI-based early warning system already operational in the Madukkarai Range to prevent elephant mortality along railway tracks. The newly installed 24×7 tethered drone system, fitted with artificial intelligence software and thermal imaging cameras, has been mounted on a watchtower to monitor elephant movement in real time.
According to officials, the AI-enabled system can detect elephant presence even through partial visual signatures and instantly alert field teams. On receiving alerts, rapid response teams deploy surveillance drones equipped with searchlights and loudspeakers to gently drive elephants back into forest areas, thereby reducing the risk of train collisions and conflicts with humans.
Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Climate Change and Forests, Supriya Sahu, Coimbatore District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force Srinivas R. Reddy, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden Rakesh Kumar Dogra, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Special Secretary Anurag Mishra, Managing Director of Tamil Nadu Wilderness Corporation Vismiju Viswanathan and Anamalai Tiger Reserve Field Director D. Venkatesh were among the senior officials present.
Forest officials said the system marks a significant step towards integrating advanced surveillance technology in wildlife conservation.
