Centre plans to implement AI-based early warning systems to protect wildlife
'AI-based early warning shall be implemented in the elephant corridors along the railway tracks in other states, as well. Not just elephants, but other vulnerable species like tigers and others can also be included, for which a primary study will be conducted,' said Union minister of state for environment, forest and climate change Kirti Vardhan Singh.
The minister was speaking to reporters after taking part in World Elephant Day 2025 celebrations held in Coimbatore on Tuesday evening.
He appreciated Tamil Nadu for the successful adoption of the technological advancement in ecological conservation.
At the event, Gaj Gaurav Awards were conferred on forest frontline staff members and mahouts from across India. Two of the awardees were from Tamil Nadu.
The minister stated that, as per the 2017 estimation, 29,000 elephants were recorded. India contributes to about 60% of the Asiatic elephant population.
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'We have now identified and ground validated 150 elephant corridors across 15 states,' he said.
On the eve of the last year's World Elephant Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured on the use of remote sensing & geospatial mapping and AI to combat issues like human-animal conflicts, which has perfectly shown success at Madukkarai forest range.'
Earlier, chief minister M K Stalin shared a note for the World Elephant Day on his X handle. In the post, the CM emphasised the achievement of 2,800 safe elephant crossings since February 2024, with zero train collisions via an AI-powered early warning system in Madukkarai. 'Our Dravidian Model govt recently inaugurated a mahout village at Theppakadu, featuring eco-friendly houses for mahouts and cavadies who care for these gentle giants.
It strengthens the welfare of caregivers while advancing conservation. Let us pledge to keep elephants safe and free for generations to come,' he posted.
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